The Revered and the Forgotten

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

birdsocietypersonification

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Wendy Watson

January 30, 2019 at 5:00 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.

January 29, 2019 at 9:54 PM

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

Line Gauthier

January 29, 2019 at 9:22 PM

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

Andrea Dietrich

January 20, 2019 at 3:04 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

January 21, 2019 at 8:08 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

January 19, 2019 at 12:10 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

January 19, 2019 at 1:19 AM

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

Jennifer Proxenos

January 18, 2019 at 11:52 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

January 21, 2019 at 7:32 AM

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