tanka (the last Spix macaw)
tanka-contest entry25 total reviews
Comment from Just2Write
I did not know about the Spix Macaw, but I would imagine that the last surviving one either was or will be heart-broken after its mate has gone. This Tanka is excellent and says so much about our disappearing rain-forest and the birds that were hunted to extinction just to keep the pet shops in good supply. I have a recued Orange-Winged Amazon - I saved him from certain death 33 years ago. But, my husband and I are now his only true companions. That saddens me sometimes. Your poem really reached out to me, especially so, since I learned recently that both the large Red, Green, Blue and Hyacinth Macaw have not been seen in the wild for quite some time.
Rose
reply by the author on 29-Sep-2014
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I did not know about the Spix Macaw, but I would imagine that the last surviving one either was or will be heart-broken after its mate has gone. This Tanka is excellent and says so much about our disappearing rain-forest and the birds that were hunted to extinction just to keep the pet shops in good supply. I have a recued Orange-Winged Amazon - I saved him from certain death 33 years ago. But, my husband and I are now his only true companions. That saddens me sometimes. Your poem really reached out to me, especially so, since I learned recently that both the large Red, Green, Blue and Hyacinth Macaw have not been seen in the wild for quite some time.
Rose
Comment Written 29-Sep-2014
reply by the author on 29-Sep-2014
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The Spix Macaw is a sad story. However, the larger macaws are well on their way to being saved. The populations are steadily increasing due mainly to private owners and an awareness that they need to be bred. I love Orange-Winged's. They have such a more mellow temprament compared to some of the other Amazons. I have a Green-Winged Macaw, another one that is increasing rapidly in numbers. Your guy would want no other family then the one he has now. They bond and mate for life and you guys are it. I know by the tone of your response that he is loved and happy. My wife and I are somewhat experts on parrots it you ever have any questions. They are wonderful intelligent creatures. As you know! Thank you for your thoughtful response. mikey
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How nice to meet another parrot fancier. 'Tom' is a wonderful friend, and we get a lot of joy from him, but he has never been the cuddly type. That's okay by us. If he WANTS to be stand-offish, well, it's his right. Orange-Winged do not talk, at least Tom doesn't, but he barks (quite well, I might add) and he laughs when we do. He also whistles, which drives the dog crazy. An parrot expert told us that it is fairly certain Tom was 'wild' caught, because few were being bred when we got him, and he does a fantastic Amazonian Monkey call. (At least he used to when we took him boating.)
We didn't go out looking for a parrot, but he was in a pet store that was under orders to have all its bird stock turned over to the Dept. of Agriculture for extermination, because some of the finches in the store had been in an aviary that has been exposed to Newcastle's disease.
We owned a store across the way, and petitioned the gov't to have Tom put into quarantine. Fortunately, we were able to save Tom and a Sulfur Crested Cockatoo. We found another couple to take the cockatoo and we got Tom and three budgies.
They were all in quarantine for a month, but I'm happy to say, they made it. All the other birds in the store were killed. Halloween is always a special time for me - because it was the day that Tom was released from Quarantine. It's sort of like his birthday. I dress up like a pirate, and he sits on my shoulder while I hand out goodies to the neighbourhood trick or treaters. The kids love to come and see him - and often try to get him to whistle - I'll bet Tom has encouraged 100's of kids to learn to whistle just so that they can 'talk' to him on Halloween. Gosh, I'm gushing away - but you can tell, my husband and I love Tom. He's been with us for 33 out of our 35 years together. I do worry what will happen to him when we grow too old to live in our own home. Tom, should live another 37 years or more. I'm not so certain we will. :o(
Comment from Patti R.
This is a sweet poem, Mikey. Of course, it could be about two birds. Could also be about two people. Being a believer in the eternal longevity of the soul, it is very touching to think that when one goes, the other will not only follow but find that soulmate. Hope you did well in the contest.
Patti
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This is a sweet poem, Mikey. Of course, it could be about two birds. Could also be about two people. Being a believer in the eternal longevity of the soul, it is very touching to think that when one goes, the other will not only follow but find that soulmate. Hope you did well in the contest.
Patti
Comment Written 25-Jul-2014
Comment from royowen
You appear to have qualified in this tanks poetry contest! I must admit with these short form poetics, it's easier with artwork, but this is a clever entry in this contest, you have got the ground rules correctly, so from where I sit you should do well, but then.....blessings, Roy.
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You appear to have qualified in this tanks poetry contest! I must admit with these short form poetics, it's easier with artwork, but this is a clever entry in this contest, you have got the ground rules correctly, so from where I sit you should do well, but then.....blessings, Roy.
Comment Written 24-Jul-2014
Comment from krys123
Mikey;
being a very difficult format for this tank a contest you are met the requirements most perfectly and good luck in the contest for this is an excellent entry in very inventive and creative.
Imagery throughout this poem is very descriptive and expressive shows how the macaw are soulmates.
Thank you for sharing and posting this for everyone to read and may the Lord be with you always.
Alex
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Mikey;
being a very difficult format for this tank a contest you are met the requirements most perfectly and good luck in the contest for this is an excellent entry in very inventive and creative.
Imagery throughout this poem is very descriptive and expressive shows how the macaw are soulmates.
Thank you for sharing and posting this for everyone to read and may the Lord be with you always.
Alex
Comment Written 24-Jul-2014
Comment from l.raven
HI Michael, I know you love birds...and you have a Macaw...it is awful we don't protect them...at first I thought this meant yours got away...or passed..held my breath...very well written...will go check out contest...and how is your chick???...and I mean the bird...LOL Luff Linda xxoo love
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HI Michael, I know you love birds...and you have a Macaw...it is awful we don't protect them...at first I thought this meant yours got away...or passed..held my breath...very well written...will go check out contest...and how is your chick???...and I mean the bird...LOL Luff Linda xxoo love
Comment Written 24-Jul-2014
Comment from Darkhorse555
loved how these words held in my mind empty nest every dream fulfilled one soul has flown as always you paint a beautiful vision mikey excellent piece
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loved how these words held in my mind empty nest every dream fulfilled one soul has flown as always you paint a beautiful vision mikey excellent piece
Comment Written 24-Jul-2014
Comment from Tatarka2
How very courageous, to take on such a daunting poetic form! It seems to me that you have fulfilled these very difficult requirements, and also sent a poignant message about two intertwined souls, one of whom has passed. And yet you said this in so few words, following all those rules! I haven't seen the other entries, but I don't know how this could fail to win.
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How very courageous, to take on such a daunting poetic form! It seems to me that you have fulfilled these very difficult requirements, and also sent a poignant message about two intertwined souls, one of whom has passed. And yet you said this in so few words, following all those rules! I haven't seen the other entries, but I don't know how this could fail to win.
Comment Written 23-Jul-2014
Comment from Sankey
hehe has one of your birds flown or something? Good one as usual mate. Very droll hehe. no spags no punctuation not much of anything really but an interesting read anyway ha.
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hehe has one of your birds flown or something? Good one as usual mate. Very droll hehe. no spags no punctuation not much of anything really but an interesting read anyway ha.
Comment Written 23-Jul-2014
Comment from Spitfire
That's right. You are the word man. I was all set to enter until I read it had to be about soul mates. My muse is shy about our relationship. Anyhow, this is excellent and a great last line.
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That's right. You are the word man. I was all set to enter until I read it had to be about soul mates. My muse is shy about our relationship. Anyhow, this is excellent and a great last line.
Comment Written 23-Jul-2014
Comment from barbara.wilkey
I see you followed the rules perfectly. This is a very creative contest entry. I enjoyed reading. What came to mind as I read, is I have one son, 21 years old, still at home. He may never leave the nest. LOL. Good luck with the contest.
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I see you followed the rules perfectly. This is a very creative contest entry. I enjoyed reading. What came to mind as I read, is I have one son, 21 years old, still at home. He may never leave the nest. LOL. Good luck with the contest.
Comment Written 23-Jul-2014
