Before,
we knew the neighbors well
The robins who always built a nest
under our kitchen window
The elusive cardinal
The bossy bluejay,
chasing squirrels away
high up in the treetops.
Now,
eyes wonder,
noticing.
Who are these neighbors?
squirrel
already digging in the pots by the pool.
you will cause mischief.
robins,
holding morning meeting on the front lawn.
What news do they share?
Where do your nests hide?
A cardinal pair makes an occasional visit
The bluejay,
bouncing low,
are you too bossy?
New house
New neighborhood
New friends to meet
Where There's Joy 
There is a calming charm to your poem. It feels very personal and gentle in tone, familiar and friendly. It’s the “I see you’ piece that allows us as readers to join you in focused observation of your new surroundings.
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You capture a lot about your yard, the newness, the personality of the different critters. Writer’s eye is on alert! ;0
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The wonderings about wildlife are fascinating. I like how you personify them with their quirky little personalities and human like ways. Those blue jays are bullies through and through, but sometimes comical when we take the time to watch.
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This poetic view of the new surroundings, and a seasonal shift to the emergence of nature, is wonderfully observant and conversational in tone.
Kevin
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I just love the feel of this poem – the wondering, the questioning, the welcoming of new friends. Enjoy meeting your new neighbors this spring!
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I bet you miss those squirrels from your old house. I know soon enough you will find a creature who can make an appearance in a post or mentor text. I love the morning meeting on the lawn- that’s happening here!
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Love that I know about your birding life. Robins having a morning meeting. Love it. Hope your new friends will be familiar friends soon.
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Great sense of anticipation and looking forward to something new while missing some of your past neighbours.
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I can see it. I can hear it. Have you shared it with your students. I’d love to see them sketch noting some of this.
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Great idea!
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This reminds me of our move to a new house two summers ago. The familiar backyard friends left behind and the new ones to meet. I also loved the robins’ morning meeting part!
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