Ravishingly Black

They could be heard across valleys with their screeching echo
Flailing above tree height they’d flock in their thousands - the Black Cockatoo
Like nature’s eclipse, they would descend in clouds; all great gangling wings
Flapping madly at each other, swaying this way and the other
A perch full of hysterics - oh ravishingly black

Black raucous baffling broils of beak n feathers and 
Snapped off sticks and nuts that crack and pop from
Ancient giants tall

All crowded in crowns hanging and swinging and larking about
A jest from the nest, others cuddling n kissing
Fanning tail feathers – pretty

But now they fall, their numbers appal
Thrown out of their homes, death by starvation, another species lost
But who gives a toss…

A red tail feather once so common on the forest track
As we yearn for their call, the lone screeching echo
That haunts the valley floor

We no longer hear the vanquished
It’s only when they’ve vanished
Will we truly pray for these ebony eccentrics?
Of the Australian bush



28 August 2014

Copyright © | Year Posted 2014



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Date: 6/11/2015 6:28:00 PM
I have never seen a Black Cockatoo, but they sound so beautiful in your description of them... I really enjoyed this captivating poem, Mark! Congrats on a great win!
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Date: 6/10/2015 3:27:00 PM
Hello Mark, I am concerned to hear of the black Cockatoo's trouble..' still it has got you a winning spot here, I would like to know if anything is being done to help these old bush dwellers, perhaps you would drop me a line.?
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Date: 6/10/2015 2:54:00 AM
Excellent and impressive poem, Mark. I bow to your imagery and descriptive power. The message runs loud and clear...ravishingly black could soon become ravishingly sad, unless something is done fast. Congrats on a very merited top placed win. #7 // paul
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Date: 6/9/2015 11:43:00 AM
Nice write Mark. Congratulations on your awesome win. HUGS **SKAT**
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Date: 6/9/2015 7:12:00 AM
Hi, Mark, I enjoyed reading your poem and Just stopped by to congratulate you on your contest win. Blessings, Darlene
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Date: 6/9/2015 3:54:00 AM
dropping back again to congratulate you I can see why you chose this for the contest - many congrats:-) Hugs Jan xx
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Date: 6/8/2015 10:10:00 PM
Congrats on a fine win and great poem.. A7
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Date: 6/8/2015 5:54:00 PM
Fantastic imagery and love the alliteration! Congrats on your win! Love, Kim
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Mark Trichet
Date: 6/8/2015 9:48:00 PM
Thanks Kim, Im glad you enjoyed it
Date: 6/8/2015 4:33:00 PM
a pip squeak from 1st Mark I was enchanted by your write congrats on 2nd place hugs
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Mark Trichet
Date: 6/8/2015 9:46:00 PM
Thanks Shadow, I truly have a soft spot for these giant larrikins... :)
Date: 10/11/2014 1:22:00 PM
really enjoyed following this beautifully penned piece
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Date: 10/11/2014 7:02:00 AM
ONCE GONE THERE WILL BE NO RETURNING. great write about a very serious matter. We must learn how to co-exist with instead of destroy.
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Date: 10/11/2014 3:53:00 AM
You touched my heart, Mark. It is difficult to tell exactly how many species face extinction each year as many new ones are being discovered. However, the World Wildlife Fun estimates as many as 200,000 annually. I feel for the Black Cockatoo, just as I did when I saw the last two remaining Dusky Seaside Sparrows in captivity at Disney World just weeks before they died. At the rate we're going, mankind may soon succumb. I love your writing style and your subject choice! Best wishes, Carolyn
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Date: 10/11/2014 1:46:00 AM
such attention to details shows how insightful you are, mark... the tonality of this piece and the lyrical handling of the subject...just awesome!... so pleased to see you on my pages..huggs
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Date: 10/10/2014 10:39:00 PM
wow, Mark, the way you used SOUND of words to create your imagery in this poem is outstanding. Have I visited your work before? I must see another poem of yours. /seems you write very well!!
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Date: 10/10/2014 5:41:00 PM
Im glad I stopped to read this...sorry I don't think Ive read any of your work before. What a sad theme , but a great piece. BG
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Date: 10/1/2014 5:02:00 AM
Very interesting write , congrats on the win, Mark
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Date: 9/30/2014 4:43:00 PM
wonderful imagery and great description - the final two stanzas speak volumes and it is all down to man's selfishness:-( Many congrats on your win. Hugs Jan xx
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Date: 9/30/2014 4:41:00 PM
Mark, wonderful description and history of the loss of beauty and sound too soon missed and never forgotten.
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