Whippoorwill

There is no greater mystery to me than the whippoorwill
He stops at my home each April and September - never late -
On his way to North or South to who - knows - where and who - knows - why
But as regular as clockwork in his search to find a mate

I know he's there because of his nightly three syllable calls
A lonelier cry you will never hear - at least I would pray
For twenty years I have listened fascinated to this call
I have never seen the bird as he vanishes in  the day

But the mystery - I have never heard an answering call
Sometimes he cries all night long - silence is his only reward
Of course it could be he only stopped to say hello to me
What more fitting purpose than to cross paths with a lonely bard

Could this be the very same bird that visits each Spring and Fall
Unlikely that a single bird would live for twenty seasons
But then it wouldn't be a mystery without some puzzle
Poets and whippoorwills seem perfectly matched for some reasons

7-10-20
Contest: Bird
Sponsor: Constance La France
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Mishra Avatar
July 26, 2020 at 5:36 AM
Larry this is such a philosophic tale with the reference of a whippoorwill. Loved how intricately you penned the emotions in your muse. Congratulations on your win. Blessings :)
Bradfield Avatar
July 31, 2020 at 12:32 AM
Thank you, kindly!
La France Avatar
July 16, 2020 at 4:06 AM
Larry, congratulations on your win in my bird contest with this excellent poem, a FAV for me _Constance
Bradfield Avatar
July 31, 2020 at 12:33 AM
Thank you so much. A win in your contests is special to me!!!
Watt Avatar
July 13, 2020 at 11:54 PM
Nice tale of the whippoorwill and poet with a great ending, Larry. Congratulations on your win! ~ John
Bradfield Avatar
July 14, 2020 at 5:45 PM
Thank you, John
Pigeon Tart Avatar
July 13, 2020 at 5:58 AM
Back with congratulations Larry! Btw, being a Mo (Maureen), I have a friend who calls me Larry ;), xomo
Bradfield Avatar
July 13, 2020 at 9:25 AM
Thank you, Mo!...no Curly in there?.LOL
Roper Avatar
July 12, 2020 at 9:32 PM
Congratulations on your win, Larry, great write. Hugs Eve
Bradfield Avatar
July 12, 2020 at 9:48 PM
Thank you, Eve!
Pigeon Tart Avatar
July 10, 2020 at 2:02 PM
Truly one of the most incredible sounds I have ever heard. It's been years, but I can still hear it clear in my mind. You have done the maestro justice, wonderful write; my best to you in the contest! xomo
Bradfield Avatar
July 10, 2020 at 3:35 PM
Thank you so much!
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