Hummingbird

Still, I wait.
Alone, In silence.
Listening for your whispering wings,
hoping I will hear them sing.

At last you motor past,
and briefly pause-
checking to see that you are safe,
rapidly fanning the ambience,
filling the surround with vortices
that suspend you statuesque,
without a fainéant feather.
I know you see me,
those dark eyes opened wide,
never blink.
Yet, you are unafraid.
Or, maybe hunger rules your reason,
checking flowers of the season.
You hover slightly back,
and then decide
to probe the flower for what’s inside.
Sweet nectar…Elixir of life.
You lap a little as hummingbirds do,
and then you stab another two.
Then, purr closely past my face,
Darting to another place
having had your tiny taste.

Now retire to who knows where.
A bird must have a nest somewhere.
You’ve earned a respite for your wing.
Next time, maybe, will you sing?
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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Delaney Avatar
May 31, 2023 at 6:14 PM
Hi Ray: I am not sure if you will read this comment but I am impelled to remark, “ What an amazing poem.” A fav for me. SuZ
Delaney Avatar
June 3, 2023 at 2:05 AM
Those are the best kind. It was my pleasure to read it. We have been sad here on the Soup this week to lose Harry Horseman. Not sure if you knew him. Take care. SuZ
Dillard Avatar
May 31, 2023 at 8:07 PM
Thank You SuZ. It was an easy write that just seemed to fall together. Thank you for reading my work.
Richards Avatar
September 20, 2018 at 5:28 PM
This makes my little hummingbird haiku seem smaller than it is!! What a wonderful glimpse at that little bird's task !!
A  Avatar
May 1, 2013 at 3:08 PM
this is very pretty.~SKAT
Hicks Avatar
March 23, 2013 at 8:51 AM
This is quite lovely. You were very thorough in explaining each detail and quality that those little birds seem to possess. They can really be quite hypnotic when you're sitting on a porch just staring at all the nature. Very well penned!
Phillips Avatar
March 19, 2013 at 5:57 AM
I like this one.Very nice to be imbued with nature
Pettit Avatar
March 12, 2013 at 1:25 PM
This is as good a description of those fascinating birds as the Seals and Crofts hit song of 1972. Congratulations on your win.
A   Avatar
March 10, 2013 at 9:44 PM
RAY, ;-) CONGRATULATIONS with your awesome free verse poem, in Catie's contest....good night , LINDA
Dom Avatar
March 10, 2013 at 8:38 PM
Interesting. I like 'rapidly fanning the ambience'. Congratulations.
Richards Avatar
March 10, 2013 at 8:37 PM
Oh Ray.....I think this is among your best poems that I have read. You are truly a gifted writer! This is a classic. !
Guzzi Avatar
March 10, 2013 at 6:59 PM
Congrad's on your win. Light & Love
Dietrich Avatar
March 1, 2013 at 12:27 AM
ahhh, that would be so cute to hear a hummingbird sing. Maybe they would sound like that guy who sang tiptoe through the tulips? haha. I really enjoyed this cute poem!!
Dillard Avatar
March 1, 2013 at 8:14 AM
Andrea, the males do sing, but sadly, I have never heard one that I know of. It must be like catching a Leprechaun. Only a richer experience. Thanks for spending time with me today. RAY
Guzzi Avatar
February 27, 2013 at 2:04 PM
I enjoyed your verse this afternoon. Light & Love
O'Leary Avatar
February 26, 2013 at 12:29 PM
Pleasant, light, beautiful!!! Terry
Sivey Avatar
February 25, 2013 at 10:02 PM
This is a wonderful write, I really enjoyed reading it this evening! What a fabulous poem, Great Work!!
A   Avatar
February 25, 2013 at 7:53 PM
Ray, this is a very beautiful and flattering poem. my mind flutters with the light image above. Somehow this is the kind sweetness one need to approach when offering the kindest gesture. shh! in silence there is a song playing. thank you for this wonderful poem. It has been an honor. always~ LINDA
May Avatar
February 25, 2013 at 7:44 PM
a wonderful write Ray....such beautiful birds
Carrillo Avatar
February 25, 2013 at 3:25 PM
What a beautiful poem you have penned here today. I have enjoyed it very much., Thanks for sharing. Lucilla
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