In the death of winter,
The goldfinches fly
To the little feeder in the big pine.
Some might say, 
Most likely to eat.
Others may say,
to socialize and mate.
I listen respectively.
Smiling in secret.
For I know in my heart,
The goldfinch is here
Out of necessity.
Instilling hope with their colors in the sky.
Assuring  smiles with their songs on the bleak, cold air.
You see, I know, they bring the first sights of Spring.

*Based on the title “The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt