Impasse

Impasse

The brown thrasher
hangs at forest's edge
hiding far behind the hollow,
safely ensconced
in a thicket of hedges
beside the split-level ranch,
spying the beetle dancing
on the coral azalea,
at a loss as to whether
to swoop in for an early meal
or instead have an impromptu
bath in the driveway puddle
that tempts from a distance.
Surrendering to a stalemate,
the bird calls to others,
seeking comfort in company,
the shared labors
of this winged life.