Notes About The Poem

Was gazing at the clouds and the word Whippoorwill came to mind. Go figure...

The Whippoorwill

In the dark of night the whippoorwill cries 
As it flitters beneath the night’s blue sky 

Master of camouflage. Heard, seldom seen
Is searching for woodland insects to glean 

Whip-poor-will! Whip-poor-will!  The nightjar trills
As it glowers and swoops down for the kill 

Insects traversing the forest take heed
For the mottled bird has tremendous speed

It nests on the ground, it perches in trees
It’s gray-brown plumage the color of leaves

Up at dawn, at dusk, and on moonlit nights 
Brindled bird rests with the coming of light

Tiny bird with a magnanimous shrill 
Whip-poor-will! Whip-poor-will! The nightjar trills
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Kendrick Avatar
March 18, 2025 at 5:31 AM
I so enjoy hearing the whip-poor-will in summer. There is one who nests close to our home, and it is so nice to hear him at night and again in the early morn. Sara K
Nunez Avatar
May 7, 2015 at 8:00 PM
What a delightful read. Captivating imagery. A 7. Kim :)
Staton Avatar
May 8, 2015 at 10:18 PM
Thank you Kim. Your kind words are very much appreciated.
Gifford Avatar
April 30, 2015 at 7:39 PM
Hello, Valerie, I very much enjoyed your poem and the shrill trill of the whippoorwill. Blessings, Darlene
Staton Avatar
April 30, 2015 at 10:45 PM
Thanks. I enjoy your work as well :)
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