Listen for the cowbird’s Wolf-whistle call, especially on roadsides that cut through woods and second growth. The song of the Robin always makes me smile. Thanks for reading these, and for your comments.
The cowbird poem was inspired by watching a pair of phoebes defend their nest from a cowbird earlier this spring. I hear the distinctive whistling call of that bird about the same time as the Robins return and start singing. Like you, I take enormous pleasure in the first spring Robins.
Ours is much larger, really a thrush. But it sings so beautifully, despite its odd name. Thank you for reading these. I’m glad you met a new bird in them.
It’s an unfortunate name, but irresistible to try to put into poetry. The cowbird is a real danger to populations of warblers and flycatchers and one reason not to let development encroach on woodlands. Thanks for reading these! I’m very grateful.
The Robin
Now Robin redbreast let’s discuss,
named Turdus Migratorius;
he’s just a Thrush in bright array,
though frequently fastidious.
He’s up before the break of day
to sing a merry rondelet;
and later he will cock an ear
to search for worms beneath the clay.
Unlike the Jay, he does not jeer,
but wishes creatures all good cheer,
and later spreads a flash of white
in hopes his mate will f
Oh, I think Spencer got his spectacular New Year's Eve, all right. Whew! I doubt I could keep up with Owen and CJ. I'd want an 18-hour sleep flight home just to recover. But what a great way to spend time with our favorite gang. Thanks for all the wonderful scenes in this chapter.
Plenty happened in this chapter: Beecher speaks from beyond the grave. The sheriff is made aware of where things stand. And Caleb is Wren’s comfort. Their bond is growing. Thanks for another excellent read!
Thank you, Adi. I’m particularly happy you liked my uncertain poem on Herr Heisenberg. It was my first thought on the prompt about uncertainty. I’d very much like to borrow that broom you speak of! Thank you so much for reading these, and for letting them strike notes and chords with you.
You know me well enough to have found the poem that dwells so close to my heart. That old coat doesn’t get out much anymore, but I know its feel and heft intimately.
This month worked for me, but I can anticipate that year when I’d prefer to do as you have done. You surely produced a gem the other morning.
thanks and hugs - P
I’m very grateful you took time to read this last batch for April. That coat in April 27 is getting a little tight and worn, but I’m keeping it. Thank you very much for your response!
I’m very happy to learn a new phrase: soul piece. How wonderful to be able to write about the uncertainty principle in poetry. I hope it gave the essence of Heisenberg’s statement. You and I both love the spring. Thanks so much for reading these and responding to them.
Thank you, Gary. You're really kind in your response to this installment and to all the earlier poems in this collection. It makes me smile that you can hear my voice speaking in each one.