Sounds of Summer

The roar of the neighbor's tractor
as it pulls the cultivator,
the buzz of the helicopter
spraying the planted field,
familiar sounds of summer
near my little rural home.
A distant howling coyote
coveting my clucking hens,
the crowing of the rooster
proclaiming his domain,
the swish of my sickle as
I decimate the weeds
are ordinarily unnoticed by
my inattentive ear.
An unusual commotion
in the bright blue summer sky,
alerts me that the eagles
are having 
a raucous conversation. 
My attention is drawn 
to the cooing of a dove.
We play hide and seek
as I try to locate him.
I stop my mundane chore 
to listen.
I hear
the chirp of a cricket,
the rustle in the trees,
the swish of a humming bird,
the buzzing of the bees 
and flies,
the scolding of a jay,
cawing of the crows,
croaking of a frog,
and then
my ear attunes 
to the soprano
in the choir of the birds.

Happy summer sounds.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Devonshire Avatar
April 24, 2010 at 9:05 AM
Wow, I feel like we have just spent an entire summer day together. Don't know how to protect those hens from the coyotes, which seem to be multiplying at an incredible rate. No longer ar they confined to the West; we have them in Florida due to their migration and they threaten many farm and domestic animals here. Let me join the "choir of the birds" in wishing you a wonderful weekend! Love, Carolyn
Kendrick Avatar
April 24, 2010 at 8:48 AM
Good luck in the contest with this great write...Keep the creative pen flowing..Sara
Brown Avatar
April 22, 2010 at 11:20 AM
I have been reading some wonderful poetry today here at the Soup. I am so happy your poetry is among those I have read Joyce. Wishing you the best in the contest as usual. Love, Carol
Mossburg Avatar
April 22, 2010 at 11:10 AM
It's amazing what all you can hear if you just quiet yourself and listen. This poem sets a beautiful scene. Good luck in the contest.
Murphy Avatar
April 22, 2010 at 9:47 AM
very nice this is truly the sounds of summer good luck in the contest and thank you for your kind comments faleshia
Richards Avatar
April 21, 2010 at 5:39 PM
What a lovely poem, Joyce!!! If I didn't know better, I would think you were my neighbor writing about where we live. !! Rural life is the best, isn't it!! Loved this poem...I just KNOW it will do well !!!!! Love, Carrie
A   Avatar
April 21, 2010 at 1:28 PM
This is the best sound I have heard all year.. The music of summer back at my dads ranch..p.d
Clark Avatar
April 21, 2010 at 12:41 PM
Beautiful Concerto Joyce! Love Jeralynn
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