Tag: birds

The Crows

My lover is learning the local crows.
He's hammered a bowl stand in the earth.
He offers them clean water and he throws
Bread and crackers out upon our yard's dearth.
Just that easily they took advantage,
Not just crows but the woodpeckers as well
As the thrashers and the finches manage
To snatch up a morsel and drink a spell.
But the crows are those who impress us most—
How swiftly on branch or rim they alight,
How they caw abroad to their greater host;
They once brought their own pizza to the site;
Then this—they introduced a younger friend
By feeding them some bread we left for them!

Lovely Loyalty

Lovely Loyalty, I'm glad you still laugh;
I'm glad you still hang out with Steve and Wish.
I saw you the other day on the half
Of the pond where laundry's done, and in bliss
Knelt down to give oats and take your picture.
It was here where you and your brothers hatched.
While some have moved on, you've been a fixture;
Today I find you with young Wish attached.
Then other times you're with your brother Norm,
Who seems to have moved next door as it were,
Where the rains cause a small pond to form
Behind that lot. Last time he didn't stir 
From his nap, though I did see him out there.
If there weren't cameras I'd stop and stare.

Steve! (and George!)

I didn't realize my initial luck
When I returned to the pond to receive
Your greeting, thinking you another duck;
But it was you I dreamed of meeting: Steve!
I didn't see you on my last visit,
And the time before you seemed out of sorts:
You didn't eat; so it is exquisite
Having you run to me with laughs and snorts.
And you too darling George! Having you back,
Creation's refrain shall ever resound
In euphony like the ducklings who track
Mama, squeaking and frolicking around!
Steve and George, thank you for being friendly
And treating the tiny ducklings gently.

Song for George



My friend, it's cliché
 but you know what I'll say,
I hope to see you again.

In time, you'll return
 on a day you discern;
I hope it's me that you find.

My dear, I'll hold fast
 to a love which outlasts
Eternity and a year.

When you fly away
 doesn't mean you won't stay,
It's only a day's goodbye.

The spread of your wings
 is the nature of things,
A growth by adventure fed.

Be safe and live free;
 I'll continue to be
Your friend, though your absence chafes.

Go roam where you will
 and I'll visit until
Love reunites us at home.

Our Best Friends

Percy and Franklin,
I still think about you two.
May we meet again.
Talk to me Norman.
Any whisper you breathe
Makes my soul lighter.

Oh my darling George,
I'll never forget seeing
You in the preserve
Next door, (far from home to me.)
You came back with love's ascent.
Steve, what a blessing
To see you running to me
With warmest welcome.
Little striped ducky,
What is your name I wonder,
Our friend Zebra's child.
Zebra moved along
With a few of her ducklings;
We'll always love her.
Wonderful Helmet,
You most amazing mother,
Your little white head 
Reminds me of the Mama's 
Before who mothered our friends.
Edgar's soft whirring,
A duckling nipping the air:
Little things they do
That remind me of Granite.
How he loved his blueberries.

Blue jay, hi! Blue jay, ho!

Blue jay, hi! Blue jay, ho!
Springing from each angled bough,
  Fluttering aground,
    Pulled aloft like a puppet
  Back up to the browned
    Bower barely above it.
Blue jay high, blue jay low!

One goodbye, one hello;
Wondering time, watch its tow.
  See it standing still?
    On the first of diversions
  Seasons start to spill;
    Lead our lovely excursions
Blue jay, hi! Blue jay, ho!

Blue I sigh, feeling slow
And inert. How to go
  Where I want to be,
    (And where is that exactly?)
  More than merely me,
    Maybe. It depends on who's asking—
Then at once: blue jay, yo!

Every day marvels show
Beauty's spark flash in both
  Beings grandiose
    And the commonplace creatures;
  Perhaps I learn the most
    From these humblest of teachers.
I get high, I lay low.

You, my love, you are so
Blue, but know that although
  Sometimes we must lay 
    In the valleys and doldrums,
  Always comes the day.
    Who knows when we'll behold some
Blue jay high, blue jay low!