Notes About The Poem

For Piroet, of whom I was thinking of yesterday while in the woods composing this poem as I listened to the kinglets, looking for their red. The grandest things come in the smallest packages.

The Red King

Red

I can see it still
The most brilliant red
I have ever seen

Years ago
Out with the dog
Cutting through the trees
In the undergrowth appeared
Flashing right in front of me
A dazzling ruby

Unreal at first
More like a dream
Like seeing a fairy
I thought I was hallucinating

The only thing there 
Was an itty bitty bird dressed in olive green
It flitted about mere inches from me
Dispensing chipper notes
Doing its own thing

Then it happened again
That brilliant shock of red

To my surprise and delight
It was a hidden crest
Red of deepest purest hue
Graced the feathers
Of this tiny sovereign's head

You
The sweetest little king
The first time I saw you
I will never forget

Forever my lord
My Ruby Crowned Kinglet
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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12
Cresswell Avatar
September 16, 2017 at 3:24 PM
The little fellow sensed you were kind hearted and was not afraid of your nearness.
Pigeon Tart Avatar
September 17, 2017 at 7:53 AM
I would love that to be true :) that said my local sparrows seem to know me and the crows too.
Lindley Avatar
June 13, 2017 at 5:38 PM
As I so dearly love Nature, its trees, birds and animals this bright gem gleams bright in my mind. I love birds and see their beauty easily equals that of vibrant glowing flowers, thus your fine poem rates tops with me.. A magnificent 10 and a fav.....
Pigeon Tart Avatar
June 14, 2017 at 11:22 AM
Delighted and Honoured, thank You Robert :) xomo!
Beam Avatar
May 8, 2017 at 6:23 PM
Hey, I red quite a few of your poems and I like your light twist on things and use of lesser used but appropriate words.Write on!
Pigeon Tart Avatar
May 9, 2017 at 6:50 AM
;D Thankya Thankya! xomo
Robinson Jr. Avatar
April 28, 2017 at 3:36 PM
Incredible imagery, Maureen. Beautiful poem, and very informative. Ty for dropping the love and knowledge. It's true, you learn something new every day. Wonderful poem, dear. 7! Love always.
Pigeon Tart Avatar
April 30, 2017 at 11:29 AM
Thank you Freddie :) I have been known to say that the day I stop learning will be the day I die. Love to you dear poet! xomo
Trifiatis Avatar
April 25, 2017 at 8:11 AM
Delightful story wonderfully narrated dear, Maureen! God is the only artist! A 7!
Pigeon Tart Avatar
April 26, 2017 at 8:40 AM
Thank you Demetrios :) bless! xomo
Dietrich Avatar
April 24, 2017 at 6:14 PM
wow, this is so pretty, Maureen. It's wonderful to find such beauty in front of us in nature!
Pigeon Tart Avatar
April 25, 2017 at 6:24 AM
Thank you Andrea, I do so agree :) bless! xomo
La France Avatar
April 24, 2017 at 6:08 PM
Maureen, oh this is so beautiful I can see that little bird in my mind A7
Pigeon Tart Avatar
April 25, 2017 at 6:23 AM
Thank you dear. They are everywhere here right now for the open eyes to see, and not really afraid of people, or at least not me ;) have a wonderful day! xomo
Herlihy Avatar
April 24, 2017 at 2:37 PM
Birds set our hearts free, especially when they come close like this. A charming poem. john
Pigeon Tart Avatar
April 25, 2017 at 6:19 AM
I wholeheartedly agree! Thank you John :) xomo!
May Avatar
April 24, 2017 at 11:36 AM
A beautiful and enchanting write Maureen.. thanks so much for faving my poem...hugs
Pigeon Tart Avatar
April 25, 2017 at 6:17 AM
Thank you Joseph :) wonderful day to you! xomo
Vaso Avatar
April 22, 2017 at 10:53 PM
I came to read this again, reading history this poem has inspired me! ops Moi!!
Pigeon Tart Avatar
April 23, 2017 at 7:35 AM
;D delighted! xomo
Wolf Avatar
April 22, 2017 at 6:15 PM
I adore this write you have composed! One of my favourite birds is the Blue Superb Fairy Wren! (In Australia). And they are tiny little creatures! But strikingly beautiful! 7+
Pigeon Tart Avatar
April 22, 2017 at 8:27 PM
Your Superb Fairy Wren is gorgeous! I had to look him up :) the park today was full of Kinglets though I appeared to be the only one to notice. Thank you for the visit and the 7 xomo!
Pinet Avatar
April 22, 2017 at 2:47 PM
Your imagination and wit wrap themselves around your words and we are left refreshed. Beautiful words expressed with the heart of a poet. A wonderful trip down fantasy lane, guided by an enthusiastic and spirited heart. Emile. #7
Pigeon Tart Avatar
April 23, 2017 at 7:40 AM
Thank you Emile. I do guide people in the park to see what I see, such spectacular beauty I just can't keep to myself. Thank you Emile. Have a wonderful day! xomo
Melugin Avatar
April 22, 2017 at 12:59 PM
Maureen, The imagery danced off the page leaving me seeing ruby red! 7, My best to you, chuck
Pigeon Tart Avatar
April 22, 2017 at 8:29 PM
:D thank you thank you thank you! xomo!
Horn Avatar
April 20, 2017 at 3:32 PM
MG, I remember Ross Perot and Pierre' water or however you spell it. We have red-headed woodpeckers here. What did you come up with you checked out its family tree? jth
Pigeon Tart Avatar
April 20, 2017 at 4:14 PM
Once considered Old World Warbler resembling Titmouse called Regulidae but differing in plumage and voice from brethren Kinglets getting it's own classification Corthylio; not woodpecker, though insectivore.
Smith Avatar
April 20, 2017 at 1:49 PM
Wonderful piece Maureen, you took me with you on this walk...
Pigeon Tart Avatar
April 20, 2017 at 4:14 PM
Charmed by your company :) xomo!
Behm Avatar
April 19, 2017 at 8:42 PM
Fabulous imagery!
Pigeon Tart Avatar
April 20, 2017 at 7:03 AM
Thank you Kurt! :) xomo
Dupins Avatar
April 19, 2017 at 7:20 PM
This is such a cool looking bird! I think it might be the inspiration behind the dyed-mohawks I see all the time. I've yet to see any down here in the state of Arkansas, but if I do I'll have to snap a pic.
Pigeon Tart Avatar
April 20, 2017 at 7:01 AM
I have a friend who's sported that red hawk for over 30 yrs. I've had every shade of red (too orange, pink & purple) so am no doubt thus suseptible to his beauty lol! You are in their winter range :) xomo!
Ball Avatar
April 19, 2017 at 4:36 PM
This is excellent Maureen. I could see the little birds flitting here and there in the foliage. This really brought a smile to my face. God Bless and a big 7 from me. Thanks so much for your kind words on my "The Meaning of Easter." JB
Pigeon Tart Avatar
April 20, 2017 at 6:19 PM
Thank you Judy :) xomo bless!
Roper Avatar
April 18, 2017 at 7:54 PM
Wonderful imagery, :-)
Pigeon Tart Avatar
April 19, 2017 at 2:37 PM
Thank you Eve :) xomo!
Callus Avatar
April 18, 2017 at 4:03 PM
Hi Maureen...I have never seen this bird, but you make it sound really lovely, especially that red crest! I love birds and I get various ones in my garden, even though in Malta we lack in bird variety. Regards // paul
Pigeon Tart Avatar
April 18, 2017 at 7:02 PM
We have Golden Crowned Kinglets too, male & females with visible crowns; there's just something special about that hidden gem, feeling extra blessed when granted a glimpse :) xomo!
White Avatar
April 18, 2017 at 1:24 PM
Oh mo, I only find this now! How lovely!! I love this tribute to that little beautiful bird. Merci, ton Piroet :) (You made me smile)
Pigeon Tart Avatar
April 18, 2017 at 2:21 PM
;) hearing them alone fills me full of awe, knowing that such beauty exists makes life worth living; I believe that what these big cumbersome brains do best is appreciate. xomo!
Breedt Avatar
April 18, 2017 at 9:19 AM
What a delicious find for you and you for me too. Ha ha lovely Maureen. My but you have written a lot !!! I will pop in some more. JANNIE
Pigeon Tart Avatar
April 18, 2017 at 10:33 AM
Delighted thank you Jannie :) xomo!
Vaso Avatar
April 17, 2017 at 9:42 PM
You made me smile, thank you!
Pigeon Tart Avatar
April 18, 2017 at 10:34 AM
My absolute pleasure Arthur! They do make me smile every time I hear them. xomo!
Vinson Avatar
April 17, 2017 at 4:36 PM
Ha! This is really a sweet one, Maureen. Indeed - nature and bird feathers!
Pigeon Tart Avatar
April 17, 2017 at 9:39 PM
Thank you Doug, I'm rather smitten with these little birds can't ya tell ;) xomo
Hauser  Avatar
April 17, 2017 at 4:22 PM
Such a beautiful piece.
Pigeon Tart Avatar
April 17, 2017 at 9:37 PM
Thank you Mike, they are magical to me, absolute beauty absolutely :) xomo
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