Mocking Birds are not Thieves

listening to a mocking bird on my roof today

The mocking bird is not mocking,

she’s talking for all the silenced birds ever

 remembering all their songs

As a reporter recalls a story;

Or a jukebox encases

The history of song;

 not plagiarizing as supposed-though

all artist are thieves and inventors too-

we all sing other’s songs;

but mocking birds just

impersonate better than most

And knew it all along.

They are impersonators not imposters!

And don’t care, like comedians,

What cover songs they sing. 

I rest my defense

Of our borrowings

Of other’s melodies. 

Mock on, until you know

Your own voice friend. 

That you mock so well

Is a true original.