Gifts from the Birds

Thunderous applause
as two flocks come together
silhouetted, flickering black
against marshmallow sky

thousands of wings, whipping
smacking the air
precision chaos
dancing flight

weaving quickness
suddenly cresting
and falling
the waves of the evening

Just as I thank them
there's a loud splat!
on the picnic blanket
(their own 'thankyou'
just missing me)

and before the very eyes
which were gifted this sight
a single, solitary feather
winds and turns, pirouhetting
circling to land
with perfect delicacy
upon the same grass
I perch on