I had a front row seat last week for the Birdie Fashion Show. I waited for the fun to start with bated breath held low. The robins all around me hopping to their seats. They chirped and bobbed and glanced about to see the new Spring treats. As the sun, a spotlight true, burst onto the darkened spot, A cardinal fluttered down he flew, his feathers fluffed, a deep red hue. That was not enough, you see, he turned this way and that, And then he raised his royal crest to show his wondrous hat! Next came the little lady, her garb so brown and muted, She swirled and twirled so all could see- her style was not disputed. Again, the bold and dashing male come to strut his stuff. He took the stage, his feathers spread, he was so sleek and daring. His mate, so shy, was not about to be outdone by this display, She alighted on the iron bar and tipped her head to say, "My crest is just as elegant, as his on any day!" Alas, the little birdies had to flit away, and all around the cheers were heard for those who had to go. With heavy hearts, we turned away, with hope again, next Spring to see, the Birdie Fashion Show. ©Barbara J. Donaldson, 2020. All rights reservedThis is an image from the internet, labeled for use with modification.
The idea for this poem came to me last week as I looked up from my work in my new office (my kitchen table). A male cardinal alighted on the back of my wrought iron porch chair and showed off for me. On the rim of a clay pot, his mate awaited her turn. She and the male took turns, on right after the other, landing on the chair and having their own private fashion show. I was not fast enough with my camera…
I love this poem. There are some observations we are making now that would have gone unnoticed if life were “normal.” I will be looking for a birdie fashion show in my neighborhood now.
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Let me know if you “attend” one! Ha, ha. Thank you for the comment.
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Such a visual poem. I can just picture these birds. This sounds like it has the makings of a children’s picture book to me. Love it!
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Hey, that is a great idea! I never thought of that! Thank you for stopping by.
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I love that you captured a visual image with such powerful word pictures.I really love the sun described as “a spotlight true/ burst onto a darkened spot” and the cardinal completely stealing the stage…for the moment. (I love cardinals!)
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It was so fun to watch because this was all outside my kitchen sliding glass door…it really was a show as the two cardinals took turn after turn in the same spot. Thanks for the comment!
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What a fun twist from the perspective of the birds. I have a similar show each day out my window and I’ll imagine the conversations now after reading your delightful poem.
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I’ll be watching the birds in my yard in a whole new way now!
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