The Whiskey Taster’s Flavor Guide
Notes About The Poem

The Bruised Bird Poetry Contest- Sponsored by Robert James Liguori

This is actually a true story. The only thing different is that I had six children and I had told the other five who were older all the truth, they all cried. When the truth came out years later to my youngest daughter she couldn't help herself from not weeping. She still had Woody's feather!

Where's Woody Daddy

One day, when I was gardening,
and putting seeds into the ground 
I pushed aside a pile of sticks, 
and I heard this tweeting sound
 
The tweet came from an injured woodpecker 
That had a broken left wing 
So, I took him in and to the best I could, 
I made makeshift sling
 
I kept him in the basement, 
so that I wouldn't hear his noise 
And I put him in a giant cage, 
with water, food and toys
 
I nursed him for a while, 
and he was looking really great 
Until one night when I came home, 
from working kind of late 

Each night when I'd come home, 
I'd fill his bowls and check 
To see if he could fly again, 
or maybe try to peck
 
But sadly, when I walked down my steps, 
there were feathers on the floor 
My cat somehow got to the cage 
and opened up the door
 
I didn't tell my daughter, 
that sadly Woody died 
I told her that I let him go, 
a rare time that I lied
 
So, after cleaning up the mess, 
I gave a feather to my child 
And I told her Woody flew away 
and he is living in the wild
 
I told a little white lie, 
but I think it was for best 
Because, my daughter, she was happy, 
when I laid her head to rest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Wolf Avatar
October 12, 2025 at 7:28 PM
100%, CM. You did the right thing... Great narrative here; hope it wins the gold medal. ~ Gershon
Godwin Avatar
October 9, 2025 at 9:38 PM
This is well written content and enjoyable rhyme, precious story told took hold of my emotions. If true, you did right by letting her keep her innocence, I've done the same with my son involving a dog. PLS DON'T read, "my inspired confession", you'll not like me any longer. Not passive aggressive, don't read it. Love what you wrote on my vacuum haiku, thank you for the kindness! CAME BACK - saw it is a true write.
Etgen-Baker Avatar
October 9, 2025 at 6:02 PM
what a sweet and endearing poem. I think you were kind in telling her that Woody had flown away...in a manner of speaking he did. This is a great contest entry, Faving
Rodrigues Avatar
October 9, 2025 at 9:53 AM
A poignant and yet beautiful story. I suppose you could also have said that Woody flew all the way to heaven. Hugs
Messina Avatar
October 10, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Yes, that would have worked too! :)
Buhagiar Avatar
October 9, 2025 at 1:45 AM
That is quite a story. Loved it.
Messina Avatar
October 10, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Thanks, Victor!
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
The Whiskey Taster’s Flavor Guide
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace