Ode To the Hummingbird

I An ode to the courageous hummingbird The tiniest bird, but bravest of all He flits about without saying a word, When most unexpected he comes to call Fluttering gossamer wings rapidly, He graces the feeder in an instant While hovering in usual fashion, His colorful feathers preened nattily The ruby at his throat most dominant --Epitome of avian passion. II His coat glistens with iridescent hues Most easily seen in the bright sunlight He’s glaring at me from his fleeting views, Interrupting his bold, erratic flight I look back at him with determined poise Enraptured by his slow backward retreat With rare aplomb think him taken aback, I hear his delightful low humming noise As he refuses to admit defeat, Comes quickly to my face, spiraling back. III Oh, sweet little fellow so loved and prized Topic of bird-lovers conversation Yet when you appear, I am so surprised Enamored with your gay presentation, Wanting to hold you to my gentle breast To say I have made you my little friend Your colorful beauty so astounds me, So far surpassing Mother Nature’s best Lovelier shades always make up your blend Love you, hummingbird, my pleasure to see.
[NATURE]
Submitted to: "2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 2" Poetry Contest Sponsored by: Mark Toney June 15, 2022 FIRST PLACE WINNER Written April 28, 2022 Syllables check with HMS written for "O Form - Ode - New Poems - Poetry Contest" sponsored by Constance La France #4 on BEST NEW POEMS LIST Poetry Soup May 27, 2022
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

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Ray Avatar
December 28, 2022 at 10:42 AM
absolutely beautiful.....you echo our collective praise.....thank you for a wonderful experience...line by line
La France Avatar
June 9, 2022 at 4:22 AM
Milt, congratulations on your win in my Ode contest ~Constance
Hankins Avatar
June 9, 2022 at 8:43 AM
Thank you so much, Constance. I really appreciate your notice of my poem.
Dietrich Avatar
June 2, 2022 at 7:28 PM
Oh, Milt this is so precious. Who does not love a hummingbird?? One day the same one I think appeared to my twice by my house. it was such a cool experience. Congrats here.
Hankins Avatar
June 2, 2022 at 7:37 PM
Thanks, Andrea. Yes, I love them and look forward to their return every summer. It's always a cool experience.
Watt Avatar
June 2, 2022 at 12:56 PM
Milt, a beautifully constructed ode to the delightful hummingbird. It is such a rare treat to see one, I always stop what I'm doing and just stare at its glorious colors and fascinating flight. Congrats on your #1 win, my friend ~ John
Hankins Avatar
June 2, 2022 at 1:03 PM
Thanks so very much, John, for your comment on my poem.
Roper Avatar
June 2, 2022 at 11:02 AM
Congratulations on your win ,Milton, in Constance's Ode. A great written verse full of feeling and imagery. Blessings my friend
Hankins Avatar
June 2, 2022 at 11:26 AM
Thanks so much, Eve. I really enjoyed writing this poem, and I'm so glad you liked it. Blessings to you.
Alex Avatar
June 1, 2022 at 7:45 PM
"sweet little fellow so loved and prized" - indeed, yet with lots of features. Congratulations!
Hankins Avatar
June 1, 2022 at 8:05 PM
I have always been fond of this little fellow who comes to visit me every summer.
Goldsmith Avatar
June 1, 2022 at 12:25 PM
Congratulations on this win. A beautiful write. I love the sweet/pretty/cute little hummingbird. Today, be blessed with your win...........
Hankins Avatar
June 1, 2022 at 12:28 PM
Thanks so much, Paula. I do love my hummingbirds!
Johnson-Saunders Avatar
May 26, 2022 at 7:08 AM
Beautiful poem with such sweet imagery, Milton. I love hummingbirds, but rarely see them where I live. Seeing one is a rare treat for me which makes me love your poem even more. :) Rhonda xx
Hankins Avatar
May 26, 2022 at 8:16 AM
Thanks so much, Rhonda, for your sweet and thoughtful message about my poem. I really appreciate it.
Krutsinger Avatar
May 2, 2022 at 11:05 AM
This is a FAVE for me. I enjoyed every single line a bit better than the one before.
Hankins Avatar
May 2, 2022 at 11:33 AM
Aw, thanks, Caren. I really enjoyed writing this one. Hummingbirds are special.
Kitchin Avatar
May 1, 2022 at 6:57 AM
Milton, a beautifully penned hummingbird poem, a fav for me, best of luck in the contest!
Hankins Avatar
May 1, 2022 at 9:07 AM
Thank you, Tania. Those beautiful little rascals are special, indeed!
Baker Avatar
April 30, 2022 at 8:12 AM
Lovely ode to the hummingbird, Milt. Great rhyming and an easy read. We have two hummingbirds that return every year to our front and backyard feeders, Flitter and flatter are their names. Your description was spot on. Good luck in the contest! Bill
Hankins Avatar
April 30, 2022 at 10:14 AM
Thank you so much, Bill. I'm never sure whether they are the same because they look alike. They are so delicate, in their own way, one wonders how they survive for a season.
Y. Avatar
April 29, 2022 at 8:11 AM
Hi Milt, You have penned a well-written “ ode” to a hummingbird. Hummingbirds are such beautiful and fascinating creatures. You described them well. This should do good in the contest. Best wishes in the contest. Have a great day and weekend:-)Alexis
Hankins Avatar
April 29, 2022 at 9:09 AM
Thanks, Alexis.
Krutsinger Avatar
April 29, 2022 at 5:55 AM
Hank, I love this part the best " Oh, sweet little fellow so loved and prized Topic of bird-lovers conversation"
Hankins Avatar
April 29, 2022 at 9:10 AM
Thanks, Caren. They aren't really so sweet when it comes right down to it. They are very aggressive...but cute as can be!
Marcum Wong Avatar
April 29, 2022 at 2:28 AM
I just adore this beautiful poem Milton. My mother-in-law has a picture of her feeding a hummingbird while she was sitting in her chair. She got one to become really tame which is not an easy feat because they scare easily, I’m sure you know. I am Faving this gorgeous poem. Blessings xxoo
Hankins Avatar
April 29, 2022 at 9:10 AM
Thanks so much, Connie. I loved hearing about your mother-in-law. She has a special gift.
Ball Avatar
April 28, 2022 at 9:41 PM
I do love hummingbirds. My grandmother had many in her garden and they were so entrancing. Love this. God Bless, JB
Hankins Avatar
April 29, 2022 at 9:11 AM
Thanks so much, Judy. Nice to hear from you.
Kyser Avatar
April 28, 2022 at 2:36 PM
very nice - yes, without a doubt, my favorite bird to watch. We have Lantanas right next to the house that they love, and they visit us often.
Hankins Avatar
April 28, 2022 at 6:44 PM
You are so lucky to have them. I've always gotten a thrill when I see them at the feeder.
Cunningham Avatar
April 28, 2022 at 1:04 PM
Cute looking birds, the only species that can fly backwards, sadly we don't have them in the uk. A very informative verse and a well written ode Milton, good luck in the contest. Tom
Hankins Avatar
April 28, 2022 at 1:26 PM
Thanks, Tom. I'm sorry you don't have them in the UK because they are so delightful and wildly anticipated.
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