'Through the Boughs' by Raymond Carver.

Copyright Tess Gallagher 1996, used by permission of The Wylie Agency (UK) Limited.

Down below the window, on the deck

Some ragged-looking birds, gather at the feeder

The same birds, I think, that come

Every day to eat, & to quarrel

Time was, time was crying, time was, time was striking

Time was, time was crying, time was, time was time

It’s nearly time, yes

The sky stays dark all day, the wind is

From the west & won’t, won’t stop blowing

The bare lawn looks like it longs

For spring & won’t, won’t stop growing

Time was, time was crying, time was, time was striking

Time was, time was crying, time was on our side

Those ragged birds cry

If the skies are growing dark, there is one thing

To trust that’s right, trust your heart

Give me your hand for a time & hold on

To mine that’s right, squeeze it hard

Time was, time was crying, time was, time was striking

Time was, time was crying, time was on our side

Those ragged birds cry

Time was, time was crying, time was, time was striking

Time was, time was crying, time was on our side

Those ragged birds cry cry cryyyy