A Saturday Reflection

I hear the chirruping of birds.
It emerges from vast hidden spaces
from wherever the birds may be.
Their twittering sounds are scattered,
interspersed with cricket sounds
and the intermittent whimpers of a lonely pup
that seems to be a distance not too far away.
The birds refuse to show themselves. 
They are like the happy people of my neighborhood 
busy with their lives. . . . 
The birds and my neighbors elude me.
The crickets keep to their camouflage in the grass.
The little dog's sad cries have now disappeared.

On this ordinary warm June afternoon
I begin to wonder where Robin Redbreast went.
It seems like it was yesterday - a brighter day -
I saw her in my very own front yard.
If she's singing now, I wouldn't know.
I do not know the song of a sparrow from a lark's.
I'd rather “feel” joy, not just hear it.
And I'd rather see with my own eyes
those crickets at their play (I'm just that way).
I'd like to have that little dog with me.
I'd pat his head and stroke his coat and say,
"Robin Redbreast hides from us today.
She may have gone away, but I am here, sweet dog.
I understand.  I understand."

For the the 'ALL YOURS (Apr 20)' Poetry Contest of Brian Strand
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

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123
Godwin Avatar
September 21, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Lovely. Reading was being in your head with your personal thoughts, that's what you delivered. Love CayCay
Ryerson Avatar
September 7, 2015 at 1:49 PM
'I'd rather “feel” joy, not just hear it.' Yep, that's 'Dandy Andy' in a nutshell...Happy birthday AND congrats - Tim
Carmack Avatar
September 6, 2015 at 5:57 AM
I like how this is tied together, not to mention it includes a dog. Congrats.
Cheema Avatar
September 5, 2015 at 9:19 PM
Very tender! Congrats on your win, Andrea! Hugs, Balveen
A  Avatar
September 5, 2015 at 12:22 PM
happy Birthday Andrea,, Congrats on your win... LUV ~SKAT~
A. Sharma Avatar
September 5, 2015 at 10:12 AM
Very wonderful write Andrea! Congrats on great win!
Inman Avatar
September 5, 2015 at 8:42 AM
I like casual introspective first person writes. They make you feel like your sharing a little piece of someone's life, like your an old friend sharing a special moment with them.
Merryman Avatar
September 4, 2015 at 8:27 PM
What a sweet write! It has a homey, nostalgic feel to it that makes me want to be there, experiencing the same things. Congrats on your win, Andrea! Love, Kim
Hoffman Avatar
September 4, 2015 at 7:52 PM
Congrats on your win with this poem,how did it get trashed.WELL DONE
United Avatar
September 4, 2015 at 4:49 PM
a beautiful lyric Andrea congrats in Broken wings contest:-) hugs Jan xx
Campbell Avatar
September 4, 2015 at 2:51 PM
Andrea, A beautiful poem--Congratulations. I love your style. Barbara
La France Avatar
September 4, 2015 at 2:32 PM
Andrea, congratulations on your win in my Any Poem Trashed Contest, beautifully penned
A   Avatar
July 7, 2013 at 10:31 AM
A great poem of lost emotions, .. ;-) Congratulations-in Nathan's contest!!! awesome winning write. Take Care * Linda
Posey Avatar
July 3, 2013 at 5:26 AM
If ever I held envy for a puppy, it's now.... Beautiful work, sweetheart. This is worth yielding my place to you... I'm rapidly realizing why I love you so..... Jake
Guzzi Avatar
July 3, 2013 at 5:05 AM
So country! Congrad's on your win. Light & Love
Johnson Avatar
July 2, 2013 at 7:54 PM
A sweet poem. Congratulations. Love, Joyce
Liwayway Avatar
July 2, 2013 at 10:40 AM
Congrats on your win friend Andrea..Have a blessed day always!! :)
Richards Avatar
July 2, 2013 at 8:25 AM
There is so much tenderness in this sweet but sad poem. Congratulations, Andrea!
Gorelick Avatar
July 2, 2013 at 7:18 AM
Congrats my dear. This is an "everyday" poem..Hope you understand what I mean by that. BG
May Avatar
July 2, 2013 at 6:22 AM
congrats on a great win Andrea....
Gildersleeve Avatar
July 2, 2013 at 6:18 AM
This is a powerful poem that needs to be read twice. More to this poem than meets the eye. You've weaved many different emotions in your write. To understand you must read between the lines. I love this poem very much . Congratulation on your well deserved win. Warm Smiles, Connie
Crisci Avatar
July 2, 2013 at 6:13 AM
My congratulations Andrea on your big win in Nathan's contest. Your lyric has made me feel the the tenderness of your heart and although you miss the robin and the pup, you still have those sweet memories to hold on to. I have enjoyed reading it. I wish you a Happy Fourth of July. Thank you for your comment this morning. Peace & Love, Andrew.
Bauer Avatar
July 2, 2013 at 1:25 AM
there's so much to this poem on so many levels and i love them all. congratulations on a very well-deserved win!
A  Avatar
July 1, 2013 at 9:40 PM
Andrea, a great winning poem, in Nathan's (dark, lost, broken emotions) contest. :-) SKAT
D. Avatar
July 1, 2013 at 9:19 PM
thanks for the comment 'congrats ' NATE
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