I have a friend, a pied butcherbird,
who cannot sing. A solitary soul, he
ranges through the trees warily –
keeps an expert eye on things.
A year ago I recognised his handicap,
half of his top beak is gone – it didn’t
seem to hold him down for long or
cramp his style in any way
except he’ll never win a mate. He
has to sing to manage that. It is a
tragedy that a bird whose voice
delights and entertains must dwell
in voiceless silence un-acclaimed,
an agony – a fate he carries in a state
of calm and dignity. He keeps an eye
on me as if I share his very private
thoughts; I mention this because I see
him every other day and ask him why
he has no mate – he is the greatest
hunter I have seen, pity female
butcherbirds don’t glean the simple
facts, a crop that’s full should beat an
empty head awash with song, especially
when its hunger calls the tune.
© 16 July 2007, I.D. Carswell
who cannot sing. A solitary soul, he
ranges through the trees warily –
keeps an expert eye on things.
A year ago I recognised his handicap,
half of his top beak is gone – it didn’t
seem to hold him down for long or
cramp his style in any way
except he’ll never win a mate. He
has to sing to manage that. It is a
tragedy that a bird whose voice
delights and entertains must dwell
in voiceless silence un-acclaimed,
an agony – a fate he carries in a state
of calm and dignity. He keeps an eye
on me as if I share his very private
thoughts; I mention this because I see
him every other day and ask him why
he has no mate – he is the greatest
hunter I have seen, pity female
butcherbirds don’t glean the simple
facts, a crop that’s full should beat an
empty head awash with song, especially
when its hunger calls the tune.
© 16 July 2007, I.D. Carswell
A sad but beautiful poem,Ivan.
ReplyDeleteReyes, thanks. I'm slowly paying my debts to all the animals around me; life in the Orchard is never dull or lonely with Half Beak as company! Rgds, Ivan
ReplyDeleteA sorrily state, but a friend in need!
ReplyDeletenature has its way of looking after things.
Such a sad story ...
ReplyDeleteWasn't able to email you, Ivan but wanted to ask if you mind me using one of your poems here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnmorag/2221214630/in/photostream/
If you have any objections then I will remove your poem immediately. Thanks, Lynn
Lynn, no problem at all. I've seen the presentation and rather like it, Ivan
ReplyDelete