once a week
maybe twice in deep winter
I fill up two plastic 32 ounce gas station cups
and one half that size
with black sunflower seeds, then
dutifully march them over to fill
the forest green cylindrical bird feeder
found at a yard sale a few years ago
for two dollars (best bargain ever)
During these visits
I watch and listen to the birds
on slow days I talk out loud
and wonder if they listen
as they chirp, flutter, preen
and wait for me to leave so they can eat
every spring
some random container
in which I would never dare attempt
to turn seed to plant
issues forth a medium sized spiky sunflower
which screams about unintended results
and kindness returned
the birds seem to watch
as I am fed by these
favorite of all flowers