Cedar Waxwings Unmasked

Cedar Waxwings Unmasked

BY JANE YOLEN

 

Who are these masked birds?
Not Robin Hoods,
for they live in
the open woods.
They only deal
in stolen goods
like berry futures,
cedar cones,
and sweet, sweet, fruit
(but leave the stones).
Insects they catch
on the fly
when swarms of them
go buzzing by.
No need to worry,
moan. or fret.
Your valuables
they will
               not
                    get.
Jane Yolen, “Cedar Waxwings Unmasked” from Birds of a Feather. Copyright © 2011 by Jane Yolen. Reprinted by permission of Highlights for Children/Boyds Mills Press.
Source: Birds of a Feather (Wordsong, 2011)