As birds

Branches received the largest first.
Gave to the touch
measured his short stay.
Flicked him away.

The second, no bigger than a thumb
though spangly (like a cheap souvenir from Lymington)
slanted in slower.
Slacked to a lower branch

held there content
its berry-bold hues
adding colour
like a grace note moves a blues song.

Then was gone.
A smell of blown-out candles
marking its place.

kj17may10