The lunchroom is hectic today.
A deep freeze overnight
makes the head table
a hot spot.

First to arrive are
the house sparrows,
a chatty bunch
with little use for others.
They swarm the table,
searching for the best bites.

Next to arrive in the
long lunch line
are the mourning doves,
in no hurry,
the doves often
sit for extended periods
contemplating the choice,
much to the chagrin
of noisy Blue Jays
at the back of the line.

Blue Jays
can be the bullies
of the bunch,
pushing, pecking,
squawking to get their way.
How amusing
to watch the unbothered doves,
who eventually move to the side
puffing, ruffling feathers
as they settle at a table
in the corner
to watch the commotion.

Almost unnoticed
a tiny, auburn-tinted Carolina wren
darts in for a bite,
back out before
other lunch patrons
have time to complain.

Bringing up the rear,
a majestic cardinal
draws all eyes.

Crimson against the feeder,
the cardinal knows
he is class president and
quarterback rolled into one.
The crowd parts
as he sits alone at the table
reveling in his uniqueness,
certain the lunchroom
belongs only to him.