Return of the Blackbird Martinez

Dr Abe V Rotor 

Martinez birds on a century old acacia tree. Tagudin, Ilocos Sur. 
 Photo by the author with a telephoto lens. 

That was sixty year ago when you disappeared,
I was very young then, but I remember well
and will not forget your satin black feathers, 
a pair of white spots tucked under your wings, 
your song sonorous but friendly, and lo!

You are back, survivor of man's unending pursuit
of the Good Life while you cower away in silence
and oblivion, and I, thinking you are gone forever
joined the bandwagon with a heavy heart.

Now that you have returned, you have released
me back, too, to my happy childhood.