My Neighbor Birds

It all starts at around five thirty
And by six thirty the entire canopy 
Is awash with white birds flattering 
Or resting or just having bird fun

I approach just as dusk beckons
After a fascinating African sunset
And there they are happily unsettled
Seeking fun or to re-establish their lair

For the wide-canopied acacia tree 
Is visibly reeling from the weight 
Of hundreds of seemingly indefatigable
Singing, dancing or simply playful birds

I leave the place as darkness thickens
And wish them a pleasant slumber
And return to my solitary corner
For the long nocturnal journey

To tomorrow and all its chores
And I promise myself an early rise
To check on my neighbour birds
But find them gone, all of them

What brings them back to this tree
For strange as it might sound
There’s not a single nest there
And not a single nestling, either?
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Bhat Avatar
February 2, 2014 at 5:18 AM
Beautiful poem!
A   Avatar
December 24, 2013 at 3:22 AM
Gerald,--Dropping by with SMILES and CHRISTMAS CHEERS. Thank You for making this a great year for ALL OF US. --- May magic fill your days and all your dreams come true this holiday season. MERRY CHRISTMAS <3 Love Linda -The Sweetest Poet Destroyer
Kithinji Avatar
December 24, 2013 at 5:08 AM
SAME TO YOU LOVELY ONE!
Boyle Avatar
December 9, 2013 at 12:43 PM
Really enjoy your poetry style. A poem with a mystery at the end always inspires.
Kithinji Avatar
December 25, 2013 at 7:58 AM
Patrick, Mustapha, John, Jon, Mystic Rose, Harry Richard, Godwins, Shadow, Robert, Joseph, Donna Jones- You made me happy many a time!
Mohammed Avatar
December 8, 2013 at 7:49 AM
Beautifully developed. I like birds so this poem was a delightful treat to me.
Cavanaugh Avatar
November 28, 2013 at 11:18 AM
What a fun read. I wonder what does bring them to that one tree. It appears that even birds have their own community center.
Horsman Avatar
November 12, 2013 at 4:17 PM
you bring nature to us, dear poet, does not get much better than this...
Lamoureux Avatar
November 8, 2013 at 12:44 PM
I just wish they would give me an extra hours sleep.
Hamilton Avatar
November 4, 2013 at 7:20 AM
Mystery of nature Gerald I love this pen Ty for your review on Men I have been ill so am far behind on answering remarks. Shadow x smile
Kithinji Avatar
November 4, 2013 at 7:30 AM
Get even better quickly... and thanks.
Pettit Avatar
November 3, 2013 at 2:49 PM
I'm close to the Mid-Atlantic coastline, and I see a lot of birds migrating inland to my territory as well. Good descriptiveness here.
Kithinji Avatar
November 4, 2013 at 7:33 AM
Thanks Robert for connecting so well.
Matose Avatar
November 3, 2013 at 4:15 AM
Gerald, I hope I find you well. There is a poem I've written recently entitled Masai Boyfriend. It was inspired by the strong Kenyan Cultures that I deeply cherish. Thanks also for this Bird poem. I enjoyed the phenomenon in your neighbours!Friend, JM
Kithinji Avatar
November 4, 2013 at 7:46 AM
I'm well shamwari. Thanks for the visit and for that inspiring Masai Boyfriend poem. Sisonke!
Jones Avatar
November 1, 2013 at 7:28 PM
Beautiful..poem...it's a strange phenomenon.. isn't it? The black birds do the same thing where I live...enjoyed your poem...
Kithinji Avatar
November 4, 2013 at 7:47 AM
Donna, so we are all surrounded by these beautiful flyers! I guess I'll write another on these. Thanks for the encouragement.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace