In this passage from "Excession," the black bird named Gravious is distressed because its tree has been destroyed, and it expresses its anger and frustration. It hops around, lamenting the loss of its home and the food it had stored for the winter. The bird's emotional outburst highlights its desperation, pleading for the return of what it has lost.

The protagonist responds dismissively to the bird's plight, indicating a lack of concern for its situation. She tells the bird that winter is over and urges it to move aside. This exchange emphasizes a contrast between the bird's emotional turmoil and the character's cold practicality, illustrating themes of loss and indifference.