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The Woodpecker

Rhythmic tapping outside my window Bring E. A. Poe’s reflections to my mind, Hammering an aggravating intrusion The cause of which I must quickly find. A red-headed woodpecker hammering Oblivious to his naturally irksome task, Worse than my turkey hens yammering Hardly as deadly as the red death mask. Poe found his intrusive raven engaging Subject of one of his memorable poems, The woodpecker brings no inspiration A muse of no pleasant verses or hymns, The reason for my current consternation It brings out my fiercest exasperation. Written June 19, 2022

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Caren Krutsinger

Date: 6/23/2022 2:22:00 AM

"Worse than my turkey hens yammering" - I used to have a woodpecker, so I can relate but now I have to look up turkey hens to see what they are.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/23/2022 7:56:00 AM

They are female turkeys, Caren. The males are called Toms. Did you know the original idea Poe had for "The Raven" was a parrot? I learned this on Jeopardy.

Tom Cunningham

Date: 6/19/2022 11:51:00 PM

He must have a permanent headache lol. Hope all goes well for your surgery today, will keep you in my prayers. Tom

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/20/2022 4:34:00 AM

Thank you so much, Tom. I'm sitting here waiting for my ride to the hospital. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers.

Michael Tor

Date: 6/19/2022 10:10:00 PM

Love the humor in this one Milton. Love the comparison to Poe's poem. Gods blessings...

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/20/2022 4:35:00 AM

Thank you, Michael. I appreciate your thoughts.

Jennifer Fenn

Date: 6/19/2022 8:40:00 PM

This made me smile. Thank you for a humorous poem!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/20/2022 4:35:00 AM

I'm happy about that. Thanks so much, Jennifer.

Jeff Connelly

Date: 6/19/2022 6:09:00 PM

L Milton what a joy to read this one. I'm a big Poe fan. I love the continuation of the Poe idea with reference to the mask of the red death. Thanks for this...

Jeff Connelly
Date: 6/20/2022 6:59:00 AM

Thanks L Milton. Every day; hour; minute, and second is wonderful... I hope yours too to be...

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/19/2022 7:19:00 PM

I'm so happy you enjoyed it, Jeff. I, too, have always enjoyed Poe's work. Thank you for the read and the thoughtful comment. Hope you have a wonderful week.

Gershon Wolf

Date: 6/19/2022 5:33:00 PM

At least I've got a steady beat! ~ Woody

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/19/2022 6:06:00 PM

(chuckling) I hope so, gw. It's really important that you do when you're trying to drive someone nuts!!!!

Robert Gorelick

Date: 6/19/2022 3:46:00 PM

Edgar Allen Poe was actually gonna write about the woodpecker but "Quoth the woodpecker nevermore" just didn't sound right. Excellent, Woody woulda been proud! Robert

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/19/2022 6:07:00 PM

(LOL) So cool, Robert. Maybe I'll do something to immortalize the woodpecker...who knows???

Ann Foster

Date: 6/19/2022 3:43:00 PM

I love birds... this was a great read. Ann

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/19/2022 6:08:00 PM

Me, too, Ann, but I would prefer he would find another place to exercise his...oh, no, I cannot bring myself to write that! Thanks for your comment.