Notes About The Poem

for Julie Leigh Rodeheaver, Hobbies Poetry Contest, 2/24/2019

On Birdwatching

I remember when birds were just plain birds,
and ducks were the birds that swam in the lake.

Binoculars were tools for seeing ballet;
heavy, clumsy, hard to control focus.

Once taught to listen for the call, cheep, bzzt,
and search in the direction for motion

I never went back to being blind, lost
to flutters, fannies, eye rings, and beaks.

Color important as well as tree limbs.
Flight patterns, wing shapes, up and down

were a nuance to food, romance, and love
because you loved the sight and shape, song, 

and ever elusive arrival friend
somewhere, mountain, jungle, graveyard or beach

someplace new to join together on hunt
to wipe out work time thoughts and hidden pain

and love the world we live in for each bird
through the short days of our lives on the wing.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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Marcum Wong Avatar
March 29, 2019 at 7:43 AM
Your poem is sure to inspire the poetic soul in those who relate to seeing through a poet's eyes. I love how you speak in the language of every tender heart. A fave for me Sheri! Brilliantly composed. : )xxoo
Krutsinger Avatar
February 24, 2019 at 11:46 AM
This is a FAV for me, Sheri. I love my birds, and can see that you are crazy about them also.
Harper Avatar
March 15, 2019 at 4:04 PM
Thanks so much Caren, I'm glad to find you love the birds, too!
Pigeon Tart Avatar
February 24, 2019 at 9:15 AM
This is wonderful Sheri! I can wholly relate. Addicted to birding ;) it is amazing how much more you see with practice, pattern recognition. My best to you in the contest, already a winer for me :) xomo!
Harper Avatar
March 15, 2019 at 4:04 PM
Thanks so much Maureen, it is true, glad to see you know about birding
Rodrigues Avatar
February 24, 2019 at 6:41 AM
So beautiful! I love the movie “The Big Year” about birding. I went to Alaska, took a small boat cruise and had a serious birding experience. The life of a poet’s the best with our eyes on every nuance of creation! Be blessed!
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