Each night the gallinules begin
their laughter, passing it from one
to another until you are no longer certain
just how many of them there are, but
you want to know just what comedy
they are watching and put it on your list.
But they are interrupted by the shadows
and the cry of the night Herons
departing for another night of hunting
announcing their farewells
and ensuring all know of their leaving.
The Ibis make note of this, falling
silent for a moment before the return
of the incessant familial squabbling
that reminds you of every movie
featuring a dysfunctional Jewish/
Italian/Greek family around the table
airing their grievances as the meal
sits growing cold and the candles drip
onto the white lace fringed tablecloth.

And if you have never heard the Gallinule: