Assertiveness Training

April Fool’s Day, snow flurries, dark sky,

winter hanging on like the flu, my day’s

first patient in her seat by the window,

so shy she can’t make a friend. But she’s

calmer on meds and we’re rehearsing how

to say “hello” when-and I swear this is true-

a ruby crowned kinglet perches on a branch

six inches beyond the glass, less than an ounce

of flesh and feathers puffed up against the cold,

belting out a brash, bold claim of power and spring-

time territory, raucous and free as a New Orleans

trumpet, my patient locked-in to the wild tune.

When the one-man-band flies, she sits taller,

a clear note in her voice, brass in her eyes.