To Kill a Mockingbird

Why did they shoot the bird out of the sky?
if it meant no harm
paid no price
Did it sing too loud
was it too free for their liking?
not enough starched or pressed?
Or did they just want to see life part
from the wet rag once dry
to see the staircase and the door
and to hear heaven’s sigh
Or was it timid
and they, gluttons of power
as to never lease the guns
If they did, would no one rent?
To pay
to mercilessly kill the coward?