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Open Poetry #42
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Midnitesun
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since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647
Gaia

0 posted 2008-04-18 09:47 PM



The tiniest tailor weaves her nest
tighter than I can weave this tale.
With a needle-like beak she deftly seeks
spider's silk and fine grassy threads,
then into this framework
she sews fresh green leaves so fine
they resemble a lady's soft silken sleeves.
She fills her nest with soft vegetable down
then lays a small clutch of eggs.
And though this nest is close to the ground,
with people walking all around,
she has no fear.
She keeps her eggs near,
and with her long tail,
she does her best
to balance her spindly legs
near the edge of the nest
while turning her precious eggs
to keep them safe and warm.
What a fine warm nest
we humans might make
of Mother Earth,
if we would but watch
the tiniest tailors
and learn!

© Copyright 2008 Kathleen Kacy Stafford - All Rights Reserved
Robert E. Jordan
Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1 posted 2008-04-18 10:04 PM


Midnitesun,

You have done very good work on this lovely poem.  

Hummingbirds will inherit the world.

Bobby

Seoulair
Senior Member
since 2008-03-27
Posts 807
Seoul S.Korea
2 posted 2008-04-18 10:22 PM


Absolutely beautiful. I was thinking about sending you an email to require your well-being.
Beautiful poem from a caring heart.
Have a wonderful weekend, dear lady!!

Roniece Dawson-Bruce
Member Ascendant
since 2000-01-29
Posts 5689
Sydney, Australia
3 posted 2008-04-19 02:38 AM


exquisite writing as always my friend x
love RDB

Be kind at heart....for everyone you meet has their own battle to fight.........

Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California
4 posted 2008-04-19 03:08 AM


This is a beautiful poem with a sensible message.
                               Ida

shyvl
Senior Member
since 2008-04-11
Posts 531
texas, usa
5 posted 2008-04-19 03:59 AM


"What a fine warm nest
we humans might make
of Mother Earth,
if we would but watch
the tiniest tailors
and learn! "
How true there is much we could learn by simply taking our cues from nature.  Well written.  Thanks for sharing
sharyn

JamesMichael
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA
6 posted 2008-04-19 09:53 AM


I was watching one just yesterday...it was interesting...James
RC Langill
Member
since 2008-03-09
Posts 104

7 posted 2008-04-19 11:17 AM


The usual picture of hummingbirds is of energy and speed. This is the first time I've heard someone speak of their patience and attention.

There is always something new for those who take the time to look.  

2islander2
Member Ascendant
since 2008-03-12
Posts 6825
by the sea
8 posted 2008-04-19 11:21 AM


I perfectly imagine the scene , thank you for this well crafted poem which teaches many things...

  yann

Duncan
Member Ascendant
since 2001-08-07
Posts 5455

9 posted 2008-04-19 12:44 PM



The easy working beauty of spring does cause me to wonder how it is we find screwing up the earth such a thoughtless, natural process.  You write it so well, Kacy...  


btw...i followed the pip route w/ email and got no response.  ya playin hard to get?

Midnitesun
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since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647
Gaia
10 posted 2008-04-19 06:59 PM


Sorry for my short absence, but thanking all for reading.
Rather than being about hummingbirds, this is about the Tailor bird, which is a warbler indigenous to India and Sri Lanka.
Think of Rudyard Kipling and Rikki-Tikki-Tavi.

WindWalker
Senior Member
since 2001-10-12
Posts 1218

11 posted 2008-04-24 10:56 AM


This is really Great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Artic Wind
Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 8080
Realm of Supernatural
12 posted 2008-04-24 03:49 PM


Wonderful read..



ARCTIC WIND

secondhanddreampoet
Member Ascendant
since 2006-11-07
Posts 6394
a 'Universalist' !
13 posted 2008-04-24 06:06 PM


Typically fine observational impression
of a slice of Nature's magic!

I am particularly fond of the ending:

"What a fine warm nest
we humans might make
of Mother Earth,
if we would but watch
the tiniest tailors
and learn!"

applause!!

Larrysmom
Senior Member
since 2008-04-03
Posts 533
Florida, USA
14 posted 2008-04-24 10:01 PM


I could see every move she made... Gorgeous!

Tammy<333

Robert E. Jordan
Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
15 posted 2008-04-24 10:08 PM


Midnitesun,

I've worked in India a number of times, and I never ran across that bird.  I admit, I'm not up on my Kipling.

I think the humming bird builds a similar nest.  I might be wrong about that too.  I'm not a nature person.

Bobby

WindWalker
Senior Member
since 2001-10-12
Posts 1218

16 posted 2008-05-28 11:35 AM


Had to read this fine write once more!!!!!!!
Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
17 posted 2008-05-29 02:14 PM


One of the things I admire about your writes on Nature, is that you take the time to really look into those microscosmic worlds and then you share what you truly do see with your readers.

I ALWAYS come away with something special from reading the fine offerings of your pen ~ and heart, and mind, soul ~ and eyes.


Linda

leoni_v
Member
since 2008-05-28
Posts 54
Mpumalanga, South Africa
18 posted 2008-05-29 04:16 PM


Such beautiful visuals, I felt like I was watching a documentary! I mean than in the best way possible, my favourite series must be Sir David Attenborough's "Life of Birds".
Midnitesun
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Member Empyrean
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647
Gaia
19 posted 2008-05-29 04:25 PM


Thank you each, for taking a moment to read and reply.
Welcome to Pips, and thank you for that comment, Leoni! I love Attenborough's documentaries!

secondhanddreampoet
Member Ascendant
since 2006-11-07
Posts 6394
a 'Universalist' !
20 posted 2008-05-29 08:36 PM


v. glad to see this fine 'penning' [from such a talented writer
(and innate 'natural philosopher')] return near the top of the
"P.I.P.-land" queue!

continuing applause!!

Artic Wind
Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 8080
Realm of Supernatural
21 posted 2008-05-29 09:27 PM


Just here for another read!- putting it in the library !



ARCTIC WIND

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
22 posted 2008-05-30 05:30 AM


Thank you Kacy, for this gem.  Yep, this one hits me in the solar plexus.  From horses, to tailor birds to taking a stand against the world for what you believe is right, you can rely on Kacy being there for all!  You are a very strong woman, and a very gentle one, and one of the very best!

- Owl

latearrival
Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499
Florida
23 posted 2008-06-01 02:23 PM


We need your presence here. You have a way of leading us to earthly ways with a smile as you pass on your understanding to us. "late"
Midnitesun
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647
Gaia
24 posted 2008-06-01 02:26 PM


Humbly thanking each of you, for your time and kindnesses.
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