The Revered and the Forgotten

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The Revered and the Forgotten


colorful young flamingo
hailed by the moniker Domingo
toast of garden parties
mingling with elite in tepid lakes
narcissistic moments 
enraptured by his own image
“pretty bird, pretty bird,” 
gloater extraordinaire muses
confident in his precious plumage
wasting not one thought on aging

Rutherford, maligned buzzard worn by years
sports a motley crown
grateful for foul carcasses
decomposing on forgotten trails
outcast of society’s habitats
ignored by elegant songbirds
“hah,” murmurs the self-deprecator
well acquainted with limitations
no lofty goals has he to reach
just fear of what is yet to be 

flocks without likeness, doomed never to merge
in tempestuous solitude, buzzard sings a dirge



January 18, 2018
For Anthony's "Buzzards and Flamingos" Contest

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Wendy Watson

Date: 1/30/2019 5:00:00 AM

This is fantastic. I love the contrast you have presented here,Carolyn and having read your comment below, the beauty/ugliness, accepted/rejected themes are even more poignant. Congratulations on your win.

Alexis Y.

Date: 1/29/2019 9:54:00 PM

Hi Carolyn, I see why you got such a high placement. Congrats on a well deserved win:-) Alexis

Line Gauthier

Date: 1/29/2019 9:22:00 PM

Bravo, Carolyn. Congrats on your podium finish with this superb poem.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 1/20/2019 3:04:00 PM

Carolyn, this is some very mature writing. Wow, you took two unlikely birds and created quite a stunning contrast about them . Great personification as well! I bet this is a win.

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 1/21/2019 8:08:00 AM

I'm glad you picked up on the personification. It is a contrast of the old and the young and how they are received in society.

Phyllis Babcock

Date: 1/19/2019 12:10:00 PM

A wonderful write and a buzzard is not a very pretty bird. Nice one Carolyn. Hope all is well with you. love phyl

Lawrence Sharp

Date: 1/19/2019 1:19:00 AM

Your buzzard is magnificent in his own unique way. Great poem, Carolyn, a very well painted vision.

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 1/18/2019 11:52:00 PM

Hi Carolyn, Yes a buzzard , not a pretty sight, but no interest in keeping up with his looks up either! Your poems Carolyn are becoming so intensely beautiful , one is better than the next. Congratulations my friend and wonderful poetess. Poetry hugs, Jennifer.

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 1/21/2019 7:32:00 AM

Old Rutherford appears to be acquiring some good feedback and that pleases me for I'm his stage of life now.