These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

The Robins

The robins' agitated flight,
it seems to cry about
the hawks, that lumber in their might
great masteries to tout.

Their frantic chirping tells their friends,
"There's danger quite nearby."
These giv'n instincts can ne'er pretend,
nor lead a bird to lie.

The robin flock so oft precedes
the coming of our spring.
their Dogwood berry-eating deeds
cause joyful chorus sings.

Today no berries can be found,
and many are the trees,
where chirping robins flit, abound,
alarmed, that none they see.

Nandina berries all around,
but maybe they're not good.
Sad birds could fall onto the ground
if poisoned by this food.

How do they know the difference 'tween
these berries and the true?
Great instincts here are fully seen
with lessons for me and you.

When danger lurks, God has his way
to keep us from all harm.
Run to His Safety quick, today,
and hide beneath His Arm.

by Jay O’Toole
on February 25th, 2024