Meadowlarks

Yesterday I read
that meadowlarks
are an endangered species
I hadn't known - - -

Though they do not
populate Portland
where I now live

they inhabit my heart
three notes ascending
a trill descending

morning songs from my
childhood in the high desert
that made my waking up a happy time

How I wish for them
to awaken
my grandchildren
and my great grandchildren

and all our relations

-Margaret Kirschner