UKRAINE IS SHRINKING ...

UKRAINE IS SHRINKING

This family of starlings sits down
to toast each other and their own return
from being away, from being concerned
with the walking rain and the barking fog.

This family of starlings sits down
to plates of blood sausage, to loaves of
heavy bread, to pungent jars of homemade
pickles, to toast the pig’s liver dumplings.

This family of starlings stands up
and with golden teeth this family smiles
and with squinting eyes this family raises
their glasses to the woman of the house.