L Milton Hankins Poet Quatrain

Return of the Swifts

A chirp-chirp-chirping I find delightful
Echoing through my open hearth,
Chimney swifts have returned to nest
In the open flue, their usual berth.

Warmth from the pilot light drifts aloft
Keeping the nestlings nice and warm,
Nurturing parents flying back and forth
Capturing insects from spring’s swarm.

Feeding their voraciously hungry young
Who soon will fly skyward and take flight,
Then I hear no more chirp-chirp-chirping
As they soar through the square of light. 

written April 10, 2022
submitted to Brian Strand's Premier Contest

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Bill Baker April 12, 2022 at 7:56 AM I love to hear the chirping birds this time of year. I enjoyed your poem and especially the "As they soar through the square of light", final line. Bill L Milton Hankins April 12, 2022 at 8:46 AM Quite a metaphor, eh? I surprised myself, too. Thanks, Bill. I always enjoy hearing from you.

Caren Krutsinger April 11, 2022 at 8:24 AM I wish I could hear this " chirp-chirp-chirping" now. L Milton Hankins April 11, 2022 at 8:41 AM Do you not have a fireplace? Almost everyone I know who has a chimney has swifts.

Tom Cunningham April 10, 2022 at 10:23 AM They are so graceful to watch, a sure sign that wicked winter has finally gone. Tom L Milton Hankins April 10, 2022 at 11:01 AM Indeed, Tom, but I think the weather fooled them this year. They came a bit early and nested, I think. The nestlings started chirping a couple of days ago, making me think they are older than they should be at this time.

Constance La France April 10, 2022 at 10:02 AM Milt, I love this poem about the birds chirp, chirp, chirping, at my parents home birds made nests in nooks and crannies and we heard that same delightful chirp, chirping and watched the miracle of life ~ Constance L Milton Hankins April 10, 2022 at 11:03 AM It is a joyous feeling, knowing they are keeping their species going. I love to hear the little ones. Thanks, Constance, for your lovely thoughts.