Notes About The Poem

I remember several years ago watching one of Harold Wilbur Smith's books made into a film. I think it was Gold where there was a male ostrich and he ate a large diamond and took part in a race  It was a hilarious film. 

The Ostrich

A bird of grandiose stature, he struts the veld
do not anger him for his powerful kick
can main or even kill. Gently he watches
over his brood their mother left long ago.
It falls onto him to incubate their eggs.
  
Impressive wing span as he shades his chicks
from the relentless midday scorching sun.
Watch those long legs hammering away 
as he chases off  a rival who strays too close.

Yet for all his strength and size a pea of a brain
famous for hiding his head in the sand 
as if it will make him invisible from sight,
he does look so weird bum stuck up in the air.  

Attracted by anything that glitters
he gobbles up all sorts of weird things.
Once tamed his joy is to run in races but rarely 
in a straight line as he veers here and there,
oft times leaving mayhem in his wake.

As dusk falls he gathers up his brood
and struts off into the setting sun
his life is really quite a simple one 
with freedom to roam the sunlit veld.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Iqbal Avatar
November 7, 2015 at 8:27 AM
imagery that you create with your words is mesmerizing ..... big fan :)
Hamilton Avatar
November 8, 2015 at 5:57 PM
ty Shiraz you honour me hugs
Apell Avatar
May 12, 2015 at 8:12 AM
Elegant poem, & you render a luminous description of the bird. Love it! Never been to an ostrich race, but you have me longing to get to one to grab a few laughs at its running style.
Nyaga Avatar
March 7, 2015 at 6:31 AM
hello eve.. i love it,...at dusk he gathers his brood and struts off into the setting sun... thanks for this one, the ostrich amount our people has a place of honor even the creator is called the owner of the Ostriches "Mwenenyaga" and the mountain of splendor and mysteries is called the mountain of ostriches.. "kirinyaga" also happens to be the derivative of the name of my mother land kenya.. thanks and blessings***lewis nyaga
Hamilton Avatar
March 7, 2015 at 9:50 AM
I lived in Tanganyika for 10 years 58 to 68 it is a wonderful country I write many poems based on my experiences there ty for enjoying this one hugs
Laurie Avatar
March 6, 2015 at 8:56 PM
Hello Shadow... Nice descriptive poem about the majestic ostrich. At one point there were many farmed down here and standing amongst them, I was amazed how big they are, and of course farmed ostriches approach quickly thinking you might have food. I also enjoy poems on fauna and yours is no execption Shadow - Lindsay
Hamilton Avatar
March 7, 2015 at 3:31 PM
ty Lindsay have a great weekend hugs
Kayode Avatar
January 24, 2015 at 1:16 AM
This is a wonderful report of a long watch on ostrich,you have just presented it exactly as it is.kudos Shadow. Have a lovely Weekend...huggs
Hamilton Avatar
March 7, 2015 at 3:30 PM
hi Kayod ty and so nice to see you hugs
Dietrich Avatar
January 23, 2015 at 4:26 PM
by the fact you are calling this one personification, I am wondering if it is an attack on the general masses! Head in the sand, just enjoying what freedom we all have. Or whether simply a poem about this funny bird, it's very descriptive and fun to read!
Hamilton Avatar
January 23, 2015 at 4:52 PM
ty Andrea it is simply a poem about a majestic bird hugs
Kendrick Avatar
January 23, 2015 at 12:48 PM
Great description of that bird..I have only seen on TV and in a zoo like setting.. I am glad that I chose this one to read today. Thanks for stopping by..Sara
Hamilton Avatar
January 23, 2015 at 4:53 PM
ty Sara so kind of you hugs
Pinet Avatar
January 23, 2015 at 9:14 AM
Your use of descriptive words and ideas are easy to digest and strike a common cord of familiarity with the antics of our friend the ostrich. Emile. #7
Hamilton Avatar
January 23, 2015 at 9:25 AM
ty Emile your words encourage hugs
Meade Avatar
January 23, 2015 at 8:10 AM
A bird that captures the imagination . . . loved your poem today . . . I always learn something new reading your poems. 7
Hamilton Avatar
January 23, 2015 at 8:55 AM
ty Dave for your lovely comment hugs
Mehta Avatar
January 23, 2015 at 7:37 AM
What a way to word and personify the Ostrich, Shadow
Hamilton Avatar
January 23, 2015 at 8:56 AM
ty Ram hope you are well hugs
Chakrabarty Avatar
January 23, 2015 at 7:29 AM
Shadow I have enjoyed your Ostrich ya great kick! love
Hamilton Avatar
January 23, 2015 at 8:56 AM
ty Rajat hugs
Andresen Avatar
January 23, 2015 at 5:03 AM
.... Nature's beautiful pearls - A lovely poem, Shadow :) - I wish you a nice weekend :) - oxox // Anne-Lise :)
Hamilton Avatar
January 23, 2015 at 9:04 AM
ty A-L I appreciate greatly your visit hugs
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