Inspired from watching starlings fight over food left out in the snow...
A Chaos of Birds
Outside the house window
Birds,
An affront of them
Sharply contrast the snow
Like coal-black marbles
Dancing on a white table.
Their long pointed yellow beaks
Scar the ground and each other.
The older, the small, the weak,
Succumb to the strength of the stronger.
They shriek in outrage;
Meek at the sight of their blood-spattered feathers.
Sick of such unsightly horror,
A door opens
and closes abruptly.
Now only claw marks remain;
A slight odour on the snow.
The black birds swiftly disappear
Towards a distant nest
As a snowflake reluctantly
Floats downwards to rest
In the still, silent, white softness.
The cold white field is once more empty.
Inside the house; warmth, peacefulness;
She rests and sleeps silently.
Copyright Régis J. Auffray
A poem that is very true to life and nature. When there is a layer of snow on the ground, Blackbirds, Juncos, Cardinals & even Robins show up to peck around for a morsel to eat. A very enjoyable poem to read.
I sit outside on the rockers on the porch and see lots of birds, the little sparrows are fed daily by my neighbors, and I love to see them come close by and pick up a bite to eat.
Reviewed by James Driscoll (Reader)
Reviewed on September 8, 2013
"Like coal-black marbles
Dancing on a white table."
Very nice simile. Are crows that vicious? I love birds. They are so important for our existence. Birds and insects. Thanks for sharing.
Very good poem Regis. It is full of emotion and it tells a moving story that flows smoothly with every line. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it from start to finish. Thank you for sharing.
We look at them through the wrong end of the long telescope of time, regis, to use the D.H. Lawrence phrase, the birds are dinosaurs - if you're a beetle! Yes, we can admire their birdsong and overlook their savage fight for survival. Heh!
With all that commotion going on outside (lol), I'm glad she rests and sleeps!! I enjoyed this!
Love ya!
Jane
Reviewed by Sandy Hoynacki (Reader)
Reviewed on February 10, 2012
A reminder of 'Survival of the fittest'. It leaves me with a potpourri of images as the ending brings peaceful shadows of innocence....Well done indeed....Peace and Love
EVEN THE BIRDS DO IT...HOW VERY SAD. BUT WHAT IS EVEN MORE SAD IS THE REALIZATION OF THE FACT...IT TAKES SO MUCH MORE THAN THE NOISE OF A 'SLAMMED DOOR ' TO DETER HUMANS FROM KILLING ONE ANOTHER. NOTHING SEEMS TO WORK! OH, COME...LORD JESUS...COME! A MOST POWERFUL SHARING. THANK YOU, REGIS. LOVE, BLESSINGS & FAITH...
JOYCE * HIS INSPIRATIONS
Regis, nature orders all things and this meow established the ordained line in the snow -- an expert photograph defined within your verses my dear friend -- "she rests and sleeps silent" is the last but not the final chapter -- I bid you peace and love -- Jon Michael
You really set the tone skillfully here, Regis. Their frenzy made me anxious, and then the calm afterward is a stark contrast. Excellent. Love and hugs,
Sheila
I guess when the birds get a little too noisy and playful, you have to let them know somehow. The slamming of a door or a "soo, go away" does wonders. Thank you for sharing this delightful poem.
May the Lord Jesus bless you, and those whom you love, and who love you, and be with you always and at your side constantly. With much love in my heart, joy to the world, peace on earth, & ((((((((((MANY WONDERFUL SISTERLY HUGGGGSSSS)))))))))), your little sister, Barbie
Excellent, and powerfully written capturing one's attention to look within....VOW deeply moving Regis ! May Abba Father always Bless
and inspire you to continue to write ! You are indeed a Blessing
to all of us here at AD !
Wow Regis--That was a powerful poem. I love birds but not incessant squawking when I'm trying to sleep. I need to know--was it a cat as those were big birds or an irate woman with buckshot?
Be safe this holiday weekend
Micki
So very realistic and engaging. If only we could abruptly open the door and stop humans from squabbling. At least there are some places where there is peace. Good write!
An interlude with social animals lends reflection. Well done. Interesting and revealing. (or revealing and interesting, lol)
Best regards my friend,
Leland
This one's a keeper Reg, One question. "...They shriek in defence;..." can't figure out that word... perhaps defense, or maybe defiance? I know you're from Canada and sometimes they spell words differently North of the border. Just wondering. No matter, it's a great poem either way. Thanks Dick
The cycle of life can be a cold, bitter and cruel journey or it can be a magnificent tour. For those who must be beggars and scratch for their very existence, life can seem to be as much of a curse as it is a blessing. Lots of depth to this offering, Reg, nicely done.
Take care,
Sherry
Been snowin' up your way, Reg? Finally I'd say as you have been getting very little if any in the winter months...if no snow, I know of a hurricane you can have, CHEAP...e
To me this is more than the messy little birds wreaking havoc on the snow and one another...as you keep watch and she rests safe & sound.
How comforting.
I read 'snow' and all I could think of was.. SNOW??? Are you serious? But then I read the poem...how much joy does nature give us to watch it at work and at play.. a treasure this is and I thank you for sharing it with us.
Myrna
From the author of Jupiter Remembered and Until It’s Time: Embracing Life In Our Later Years comes Petals of Love: Poetry of a Woman’s Soul – a heartfelt collection spanning more than thirty-five years. Through tender reflections, these poems offer g
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Stephen
Dancing on a white table."
Very nice simile. Are crows that vicious? I love birds. They are so important for our existence. Birds and insects. Thanks for sharing.
J.D.
Love ya!
Jane
Your poem is excellent!
~ Carma
hug
Kathi
Daniel
JOYCE * HIS INSPIRATIONS
Sheila
May the Lord Jesus bless you, and those whom you love, and who love you, and be with you always and at your side constantly. With much love in my heart, joy to the world, peace on earth, & ((((((((((MANY WONDERFUL SISTERLY HUGGGGSSSS)))))))))), your little sister, Barbie
and inspire you to continue to write ! You are indeed a Blessing
to all of us here at AD !
Much Love,
Margaret
Be safe this holiday weekend
Micki
Blessings,
Christine
Excellent visuals, thought I wanted want to envision it. Great poem.
Mary
Ron
Anna
Top going.
to live and obsorb!
~Regis~
Observing the birds
in your poetry!!
Lady Vivian
Best regards my friend,
Leland
(((HUGS))) et amour, ton ami dans Texas, Karen Lynn. :D
and, for me, not overdone - just the right
stress for proper effect.
John
GOD BLESS YOU
Tony
Chip Bergeron
Take care,
Sherry
Cheers,
Dan
How comforting.
Myrna