Brian Sambourne Poet Free verse

Pigeon Tai Chi

Park of unfenced wildness
          densely packed in light infused summer
city folk beat paths of free spirited essence

park pigeons squat, survey seniors
                                    in the grip of Tai Chi
                                    to seize a different footing
                                    orchestrated movement

Pigeons in an uncertain watch
                wait
                anticipating 
                trusting park folk to feed them
                then launch in a flap fury of wings and cooing
to seniors' arms extended, open palms
    Tai Chi posing
    a tableau of food (mis-read)
    open handed offerings?
    absent

bird swarmed,
         seniors shriek as in a Hitchcock film
                        their eroded routine
          wellness check thwarted
push back 'gainst a flock, 
                    shadowboxing the open air

seniors scatter 
              take flight in leaps fearful like space walk wandering
              re-kindled voltage like lost sex energy lit
              spectacle, in bird-winged fear
              when movement's no longer the quiet order
              we control






Poems composed July 13/2022

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Marikate Kingston July 13, 2023 at 6:25 PM Pigeons like seagulls, only look for human treats. Do they trick us or do we trick them? Whose side are we on? I guess it depends on where you 'STAND' I know they fill movies and children's books. There is a funny one titled: Don't Let The Pigeon Ride The Bus! I think it would make you laugh. Your poem was funny and I loved how it "looked" Worth its win! Brian Sambourne July 13, 2023 at 6:49 PM Hello Marikate, You are most gracious in your appraisal of my postings. Your comments are grand to read - funny + insightful in themselves. Thank you. Best wishes always, Brian

Suzanne Delaney September 22, 2022 at 6:13 PM How funny the pigeons thought you had come to feed them, Brian: My Tai Chi classes were indoors so all flowed smoothly as far as I remember. SuZ Brian Sambourne September 22, 2022 at 9:13 PM Greetings Suzanne, Thanks very much for your supportive comments. You are quite right - pigeons mis-interpreted our moves as a feeding invitation. Be well + keep the Tai Chi flowing. Brian

Linda Alice Fowler July 26, 2022 at 4:06 PM LOLOL Brian. How I love this. Unfortunately I moved to a rural area that has no park, and no tai chi as the area from whence I moved. Fav for me. Congratulations on your win! Linda Brian Sambourne July 26, 2022 at 7:33 PM Most considerate of you to post an affirmative note. Thank you, Linda.I was surprised by the placement as my narrative poem is an unconventional submission on flight. Best wishes, Brian

Paula Goldsmith July 26, 2022 at 10:26 AM Congratulations on your win. Your "Pigeon Tai Chi" is a creative write. They are thinking you brought them lunch. Could it really be as bad as the birds Hitchcock film??? Today be blessed with your win............ Brian Sambourne July 26, 2022 at 11:18 AM Thank you, Paula, for your thoughtful, supportive comment. I hope that you are well + continuing to write. Sincerest regards, Brian

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart July 18, 2022 at 12:56 PM A feathery feast of a poem, vivid imagery (I fancy pigeons) and delicious turn of phrases. Thoroughly enjoyed. xomo! Brian Sambourne July 18, 2022 at 1:30 PM Hello Maureen, Your note of support means much. Bits of life are the stuff of poems, indeed. Be well. Brian

Sara Kendrick July 18, 2022 at 12:20 AM That would be scary to be hit by a flock of pigeons. I enjoyed reading this one today. Reads like a good contender for the contest. Way to go. Thanks for the visits to my page. Sara Brian Sambourne July 18, 2022 at 5:43 AM Hello Sara, Pigeon intrusion into our Wednesday morning Tai Chi dramatically impacted our movements - in a rather hilarious way. Some thought of Hitchcock's "The Birds." Thank you for your stop by. Best wishes, Brian

Andrew John July 15, 2022 at 3:22 AM Some lovely images here, Brian. Thank you. Brian Sambourne July 15, 2022 at 6:05 AM Thank you Andrew for your thumbs up. The scene would make for a good intro to a short story. Best wishes, Brian

Phil Capitano July 15, 2022 at 2:02 AM Hilarious scene to be sure Brian, I can see it in my mind...feathers flying, arms flailing. Great images. Every morning I go through the same rituals...qi gong on the lawn, I sometimes wonder if I will encounter something like this. Well done. Brian Sambourne July 15, 2022 at 6:09 AM Greetings Phil, Ritual disrupted for sure. Only 8 of us in the Tai Chi class. But how we moved, more wary of droplets from the agitated birds than flapping wings. Thank you for the comments. Be well. Brian

Thomas Wells July 14, 2022 at 10:50 AM This poem is so strong! You craft the novel imagery skillfully to tell a fascinating tale. It conjures up so many memories of seniors performing Tai Chi and of course, pigeons. This poem works as a narrative prose/poem as well as imagism. Very artfully done! Brian Sambourne July 14, 2022 at 1:46 PM My appreciation for your affirmative note Thomas. A Tai Chi class gave my muse a push. You are right though, in insight + observation - the piece is close to narrative prose. Thank you again, Brian

Harry Horsman July 13, 2022 at 8:54 PM I wonder if the fence had been there, if it would have been different, Sorry Brian, love that opening line, an unfenced wilderness, and what happens beyond, truly captures my imagination and love it.. Good luck in contest. Harry Brian Sambourne July 14, 2022 at 8:50 AM Hi Harry Thanks for your message. The poem describes our Wednesday morning Tai Chi in an urban park, unfenced. The winged mayhem meant the discovery of senior moves hardly imagined. Be well. Brian