by Akua Lezli Hope
No elder bids are there to sing
Regent honeyeaters’ male song
So young ones copy other things
their bird culture nearly gone
Regent honeyeaters’ male song
tells females if they are strong and fit
Their bird culture is nearly gone —
we play old recordings to fix it
Tells females if they are strong and fit
if they sing the right song
We play old recordings to fix it
fearful they won’t last long
If they sing the right song
extinction will be kept at bay
We’re fearful they won’t last long
as their habitat shrinks away
Extinction will be kept at bay
when females hear the strong songs
As their habitat shrinks away
we strive to correct our invasive wrongs
Akua Lezli Hope is a creator and wisdom seeker who uses sound, words, fiber, glass, metal, and wire to create poems, patterns, stories, music, sculpture, and peace. A third generation New Yorker, her honors include the NEA, two NYFAs, SFPA, Rhysling and Pushcart Prize nominations.