navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #35 » The Bird Lady
Open Poetry #35
Post A Reply Post New Topic The Bird Lady Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
Suetang
Member Ascendant
since 2001-03-07
Posts 5187
Melbourne, Australia

0 posted 2005-03-30 02:32 AM



Picture by Jim Warren

* * *

They come to the city square each day
in search of food, knowing she will be
there waiting for their arrival.

The people who pass her by are too
quick to judge her.  The men in their
fancy suits hurry on by without giving
her a second glance, as the shoppers
chat amongst themselves as they move
through the busy city traffic.  Most
times she feels as though she is
insignificant - invisible.

The church bells chime as she
shuffles along the pavement to keep
a date with her feathered friends.
She wouldn't dream of letting them down,
unlike others who have let her down in
the past, without a second thought.

Her dress is tattered and torn and her
dark grey cardigan hangs loosely
around her fragile form.  She pulls her
arms around her in an effort to ward off
the cold, Winter chill.  Her gaze is
fixed firmly on the pavement and the
soles of her shoes are full of holes.
She winces at the blisters on the balls
of her feet but carries on regardless
towards the city square where she knows
they will be waiting.

Two white fantail pigeons begin to coo
as they see her approaching and they
part ways as she moves closer.
She sits on the park bench and throws
pieces of bread to her companions,
as they try desperately to get their fill.

A young child with arms flailing, breaks
the momentary silence, as the birds take
to the skies in a flurry of feathers.  
All too soon they return and the old woman
continues to feed them.

The highlight of her day is nearing an end
and soon she will once again become
invisible, as she disappears beneath the
covers of the night.

* * *

"Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted
is the most terrible poverty"
(Mother Teresa)

I am in motion
I am blue
Love is an ocean
I'm anchored in you
- Shawn Mullins

© Copyright 2005 Sue Tancheff - All Rights Reserved
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
1 posted 2005-03-30 07:18 AM


Some poetic prose, Sue...

very nice...and telling.


passing shadows
Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577
displaced
2 posted 2005-03-30 07:36 AM


sad write here
inkedgoddess
Member Rara Avis
since 2002-11-19
Posts 7392
Ohio
3 posted 2005-03-30 07:36 AM


through the busy city traffic.  Most
times she feels as though she is
insignificant - invisible.


far from insignificant to those that know she is there for them

LeeJ
Member Patricius
since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296

4 posted 2005-03-30 07:42 AM


wish so, we'd take time to notice, and give where needed...might balance out the warmth?

Lovely read...sad, but built with expertise and great compassion

Post A Reply Post New Topic ⇧ top of page ⇧ Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format.
navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #35 » The Bird Lady

Passions in Poetry | pipTalk Home Page | Main Poetry Forums | 100 Best Poems

How to Join | Member's Area / Help | Private Library | Search | Contact Us | Login
Discussion | Tech Talk | Archives | Sanctuary