By mermaids
| Author Notes |
In my front yard, there seems to be the same sparrow living
around the bushes. |
By mermaids
your red beak
may attract a mate
but I follow you
an exquisite entity
of nature
God's kindness and
artistry radiate
from your beauty
watching you gives
me comfort
longing to see you
and be reminded of
the free feeling that
nature's winged spirits give
the female cardinal
a favorite bird
brown with a red beak
your allure entices me
to the natural world
| Author Notes | If I had to choose a favorite bird, it would probably be the female cardinal. |
By mermaids
you watch the cat
as she watches you
unfazed by her crouching form
Esther and Emily
my favorite pair
Esther comforts my husband
and I
her delicate form
graces our presence
outside our home
and inside our hearts
beautiful dove
why did God send
you to us?
we wait for you
winged spirit
that returns often
beautiful dove
quiet and loyal
watching us
as we care for you
| Author Notes |
We have a dove that comes to our feeder often. We have named
her Esther and she doesn't fly away when one of our cats watches her through the window. |
By mermaids
a feeding frenzy
of black capped
chickadees
devour birdseed
and stale bread
before dipping in
a birdbath of
clear water and
then perching on
branches
displaying themselves
to show the world
what natural beauty is
I am a fan of
the tiny, alluring
back yard bird
buying ten pound bags
of tasty sunflower seed
with peanutbutter
they return again
and again to eat,
preen and bathe
in chickadee heaven
| Author Notes |
I adore the chickadees who frequently feed at my feeder and
hang out in my back yard. |
By mermaids
yellow and orange
songbird
sings a sweet tune
to a giant ape
peering through
the window
he is entranced
by the melodic sounds
and his eyes soften
his face less hard
his soul quiet
often he comes
to hear the gentle
bird sing and tweet
vanishing when humans
appear
the canary knows
of his existence
but keeps his
presence a secret
singing to the
ancient creature
providing music
for this forest
dwelling primate
| Author Notes | Rough day at work today so my imagination is over the edge. |
By mermaids
Thanksgiving dinner
on the run
gangs of Cape Cod fowl
observing human habitation
birds who remind me
of the wildness that
once dominated this land
they huddle together
living in the woods
and grasses
running across roads
disappearing around
that November holiday
wild turkeys living
on Cape Cod
the feather gang
on the move
avoiding the dinner plate
| Author Notes | I see many groups of wild turkeys here on Cape Cod. It is weird to see them in residential areas. They always seem tobe on the go and avoid getting hit by cars or injured. |
By mermaids
entering the lecture hall
making my way to the front row
anxious to begin graduate school
ornithology my passion
a bluejay on the podium
parading back and forth
blue wings spread out
I close my eyes
then open them again
it does make sense
who would teach
about the birds?
a bird of course
Dr. Bluejay introduces
himself explaining the syllabus
then orders the class outside
he flies leading the way
instructing his students
to record all observations
about the bluejays
looking back at us
test at the end
of our excursion
Dr. Bluejay carries
the exams in his beak
I thank the winged
professor for his time
he warns me to
prepare for tomorrow's lecture
when we visit condors
leaving the lecture hall
racing to the library
to read up on condors
a flutter in my stomach
tells me that Dr. Bluejay
will take the class
to another world.
| Author Notes | As usual, I have gone off the deep end. When I began this book, I started writing nature poems about birds but the fantasy part of me kicked in. And it is not even the middle of winter yet, when I usually lose it. Enjoy. |
By mermaids
a carrier pigeon by day
a thoughtful poet at night
her muse the sky above
she gathers words like
seed thrown in a field
clouds impress her
to write about shapes
mountains and humans
she creates with pen
in beak
the sun is a guide
she writes about
yellow brightness
warming her being
poetic pigeon
posed on a fountain
gathering input
from the world
she writes and
writes
consuming life
while flying on
her daily route
poems are hers
to create and devour
a soul flowing
through air and words
By mermaids
The long graceful
legs are a symbol
of freedom on the
African plains
yet she dwells
in a zoo
her domain a
replica of her
ancestors' home
she dances for fun
she dances for visitors
and she dances for herself
for she delights in
her long legs
while she preens
around as if
Broadway will call
the dancing ostrich
reminds the world
that time for the
dance creates a
quiet soul
movement of a giant
bird captivates
a troubled world
By mermaids
a bluebird flies
off course
through a window
of Sunshine Nursing Home
she lands in an empty bedpan
and then pecks at
Fred's head
she is frustrated
but becomes interested
in this strange place
so she sings to the
residents
her best tunes
the songs approved
by heaven
the residents and
staff admire her
beauty and voice
her presence is
joyful
a nurse opens a
window
and off she soars
but the feeder placed
outside entices her
to stay
so Sunshine Nursing Home
has a blue resident
who sings from the heart
and heaven and earth connect
in a place of music and
a wayward bluebird
who finds her home
By mermaids
a row of penguins listen
to violins, cellos and
other musical instruments
play the classics
already in tuxes
served sardines in cups
a treat of melodious
notes and fresh fish
enlightens and enhances
the life of these
waddling northern birds
as they are transported
back to the aquarium
soothing notes in their
heads and memories of
a night at the symphony
By mermaids
she sits quietly
under a moon
hoo hoo hoo
one foot up
then the other
a dancing barn owl
living it up
under a sky full
of stars
she knows life
is short
so she dances
her nights away
savoring the feel
of the moon and
brightly lit
comets and meteors
an owl of the arts
creativity resides
in her feet
so one goes up
and she does a jig
a barn owl boogie
til dawn arrives
By mermaids
sitting on the edge
of a crystal clear pond
wallowing in my sorrow
lamenting my bad day
a mallard duck swims
towards me
no bread crusts
to offer
the duck quacks loudly
then lectures me
on my bad mood
he orders me to
observe my surroundings
and cherish the moment
the warmth of the sun
the coolness of the water
the soft breeze on my
shoulders
my head hangs low
embarressed by this
colorful mallard
full of wisdom
he sits with me
and flaps wet wings
tells me to be positive
returns to the water
bobs for fish
I see my duck therapist
often at the pond
paying him in fish
and bread crusts
advice to be heard
and heeded
wisdom from nature
| Author Notes | I have quite a few ducks on a pond near my house. I often wonder what they would say if they could talk. |
By mermaids
delicate piping plovers
watch circling great whites
hungry for seals
swimming in Cape Cod waters
the endangered bird
accepts the predatory
creature of the sea
piping plovers and
great whites
both a part of nature's
design
give Cape Cod a place
in the natural world
I wait for summer's arrival
knowing that the sharks
will come and be a presence
in warmer waters
the protection of the
piping plover brings
hope that this beautiful
bird will endure
and continue to watch
the prehistoric beings
swimming in the sea
| Author Notes | I was thinking of the two very different species here on Cape Cod. Great white sharks have been showing up in the summer possibly because of the increase in the seal population. Piping plovers are protected because they are endangered. The pic is of a three ring plover, I couldn't find one of a piping plover. |
By mermaids
she watches
her prey
ready to pounce
my female tiger tabby
finches consume
sunflower seeds
her movie rolls on
tiny beaks peck away
she shakes her hiney
the jungle in her
comes alive
but the window
divides the queen
of the hunt
little birds finish
feasting in a feeder
Emily's eyes grow wide
and she watches her prey
as God's messengers
fly away
| Author Notes |
My cat Emily watches the birds at a window feeder and she always appears to attack them. The kitchen window prevents
her from reaching the birds. |
By mermaids
attracted to red flowers
tiny but determined
content with honey
and nectar
aliens land on earth
eager to dominate
but surprised by
a foe so small
millions of hummingbirds
surround the craft
chasing an evil UFO
far into space
then return to
flowers and gardens
viewed and admired
by grateful humans
| Author Notes | It's one of those days again, I am off my rocker. Yes, I know, Hummingbirds saving the human race is a stretch, but the beauty of poetry is, anything can happen. Enjoy. |
By mermaids
he visits me often
golden bird with black markings
landing on my hand gently
his company is a treasure
I swim in rough waters
my coral village is weary
on my soul at times
his song soothes me
occasionally he walks
across my tail
head turned sideways
as if he is listening to
the sounds of the sea
my friend from the air
comforts a merman
who needs quiet beauty
a gift from heaven
By mermaids
my darling little finch
in cold and snowy morn
you peck and devour seed
to fill your hunger
snowflakes float down
upon your tiny back
yet feeding time rules
despite the chilly air
I care for your tiny form
you bring joy to my day
a delicate beak
nourishes a hardy soul
waiting for your arrival
I fill my feeder with seed
you peer at me in curiosity
human watching your head tilts
a smile upon my face
By mermaids
puffed up feathers
winter is here
you surprise the
bird nerds
with your presence
we watch in awe
like groupies at
a rock concert
falling over each other
desperate to get a look
at the star of the day
you visit the lower Cape
sitting regally on a branch
brown feathers soon to
become a painting of
indigo passion
we delight in your company
ornithologist wannabes
you turn your delicate head
to peer at us recording
the crowd of admirers
a winter tourist who
brings joy to the masses
of admiring fans
| Author Notes |
The front page of the Cape Cod Times had as the top story, the sighting of a bunting that is usually not seen in winter on the east coast. It was a juvenile that had not yet develop the bright colors yet. It was quite an exciting
event for birders. |
By mermaids
raisin bread
my morning meal
consumed in delight
energy for the day
crusts and ends
broken into pieces
a feeder full
to waste not
hungry nuthatch
swoops down
his treat is
twice his size
breakfast for the
spirits of heaven
God is pleased
with my sharing
the wistful bird
with bread in beak
flies off with ease
treat for the day
nourishing this
morning visitor
feathers and wings
flight of fulfillment
large soul in small bird
| Author Notes | I broke up some leftover raisin bread the other day, placed it in the birdfeeder and was amazed how this nuthatch would put a large piece of it in his beak, then fly away. |
By mermaids
run pheasant run
the hunter pursues
a bird of beauty
soulful eyes connect
to mine
I say hello
and comfort this
creature of God
who flees from bullets
my yard is a haven
for pheasants whose
destiny is not the dinner plate
as guns fire in the
distant brush of predators
my voice calms my nervous
friend
as I spread seed
and encouragement for
a bird on the run
| Author Notes | When hunting season arrives in the Fall, I usually have pheasants taking refuge in my yard. |
By mermaids
sensing cod available
seeing food among waves
surviving easily today
soothing wind carries
sumptuous odor to beak
setting down on salty water
surrendering to supper's call
By mermaids
Dindle, fluffy strutting chicken
does her stuff
on the dance floor
audiences delight
in the spectacle
of fox trotting
conga lines and
break dancers
all are fowl
not to be served
on the dinner plate
or as nuggets
Dindle leads the
lively dance troop
an agent calls Broadway
stardom awaits
tickets go on sale
feathers bounce and
fly around
the theater district
| Author Notes | Just being silly again. |
By mermaids
red male flies
into the bushes
he signals a happy
feeling
on a break from work
he alleviates my stress
I look for his mate
the red beak stands out
brown branches hide her
but I know she is near
negativity and pressure
dissolve briefly
while watching these
beautiful guardians
of my soul
if only I could follow
their path of living
escape the grind
| Author Notes | I was observing a pair of cardinals outide the nursing home where I work, they made my day. |
By mermaids
spring brings new life
so a pretty brown sparrow
reminds all the animals
that now is the time to
celebrate and be joyful
Easter has arrived at the zoo
she asks for the bunny to come
no rabbit in sight so Fred
the otter collects fish
for his family
he offers food to turtles
beavers and bears
the feeling in the air
is one of newness
Fred swims and sees
the sparrow
they converse
Easter is a time to
reflect and move forward
a happy sparrow greets
visitors
the otter waits patiently
for the day to begin
chocolate eggs for humans
fish for all
cougars devour and bask
in the sunlight
the sparrow rejoices
landing on the otter's head
his eyes upward towards
his feathered friend
alive and breathing
in the spring air
| Author Notes | A different Easter poem. |
By mermaids
He prances around my yard
as if he owns the world
in charge of trees, insects
squirrels and chipmunks
the president demands
respect and attention
a robin full of energy
I watch him manage
my outside home
all is quiet as
doves peck seed
he nods in agreement
feasting and then back
to observing his domain
daffodils bow towards
this appointed leader
he further ambles towards
a meal of worms
I take comfort in
this bird of song
who reigns in the
natural world
| Author Notes | I have a robin that walks around my yard as if he is the owner of the property.He deserves a poem. |
By mermaids
did you follow me
to Florida?
joining my travels
bright red, my
eyes connect to
your flight
your mate is hidden
by brown branches
yet I feel you
care for me too
seeing you everywhere
in this southern state
of leisure
eating breakfast on the
porch
you consume your morning
meal
you glide through
the air
while on my morning
walks
as if a divine
red bird is guiding
my steps
I know you will
be there
in my northern home
a symbol of freedom
a companion on
life's journey
| Author Notes | On a recent vacation to Florida, I was having a good time watching all the cardinals around. I even saw two males flying together. |
By mermaids
the aroma of sweetness
fills my kitchen
pancakes on the griddle
syrup awaits on the table
warmth emits from
a breakfast of fun
batter over the
side of the bowl
he sits on a branch
his head turns to
face me, as if the
scent of goodness
reaches his hunger
I scoop three pancakes
onto my plate
I cut up one for
my morning companion
a meal with one
of God's creatures
allows me to be in
the company of a free
spirit who treasures
my cooking
I feel good and satisfied
my day begins with the
sharing of a yummy meal
the crow is an unusual guest
but I am honored that this
feathered being dines
with a hungry human
| Author Notes |
A friend of mine was describing how she shared her pancake
breakfast with a crow in her yard. A poem came to mind. |
By mermaids
time for my washing
wings need to be spruced up
my mate orders me to
a pearly white dish
in a yard filled with life
I dip and splash
as a lone finch joins
my bathing ritual
she tells me to wash
under my wings
blue beauty that I am
perfection of the highest
those who watch me through
long eye glasses
need to be happy to
see such a creation as me
so this finch and several
sparrows join me in the
water and we have a
battle of good fun
my mate asks "why I am a
fluffy mess?"
my ego deflated
I dance to fit my
new hairdo.
By mermaids
hairy and large
his rump on a log
down in the dumps
Bigfoot has the blues
Mr. Beautiful lands on
his head,pecks at a bug
flies to a branch
the big ape rolls his eyes
the bluebird tilts his head
feeling the sadness in the air
he sings and does a dance
Bigfoot sulks, head in hands
By mermaids
a giant ape
sits on a log
strums a ukulele
the soft sea breeze
carries the music
to a group of piping plovers
they kick up their feet
dancing in unison
Mr. Beautiful sits
on Bigfoot's head
doing what he does best
looking beautiful
the bluebird and hairy
being embrace a song
as the plovers do their
show stopping boogie routine
aint life great!
| Author Notes | It looks like it is time to complete For the Birds. Today at work, I was stressed out and that old silliness of mine crept in. You see what happened. |
|
You've read it - now go back to FanStory.com to comment on each chapter and show your thanks to the author! |
| © Copyright 2015 mermaids All rights reserved. mermaids has granted FanStory.com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work. |
© 2015 FanStory.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Privacy Statement