beans

  the field mice 
came into the house this winter
      (as they do every winter)
 and they got into a bag of beans.

    mom said to spread them 
                               in the garden
so maybe they'll sprout
               and put nutrients 
        in the soil.

but the spring birds migrated early this year
      and based on the size of the flock,
  we have no more beans--

but there are hundreds of birds somewhere
      who flew away 
with laughter in their songs

   and full bellies.