Sacramento Crows

it’s not until you see them in your own yard
that you realize—these aren’t your ordinary crows
the kind that scavenge on trash and garbage heaps
day-old grass cuttings in street gutters
and road kill left rotting in traffic lanes

no, these are Sacramento crows
in your very own front yard—
eating in selected pairs or the occasional trio

see how they linger over the still wet grass
notice how they dangle their worms in the sun
watch them take an after-dinner stroll
exchange a polite caw or two
and fly away to another location
just before they wear out their welcome