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Open Poetry #44
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Midnitesun
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Gaia

0 posted 2009-03-27 08:21 AM



Woodpeckers are wonderful.
Each spring they hammer the trees
with their chiseled beaks
and shock absorber heads
to create new nests,
and many smaller birds benefit
by re-cycling these pre-drilled
cozy warm tree-hole nests.
Birds often cooperate
in symbiotic fashion.
But beware, the hungry hawk
is always ready and has its needs as well.
When setting up backyard feeders
birdbaths, water fountains or nesting boxes,
remember the chain of life is long
and has many links.

The woodpeckers, blue jays and flickers
are busy in the neighborhood again.
Two tufted titmice visit each morning
alongside a handful of chickadees,
numerous song sparrows,
occasional finches and wrens.
A brilliant ruby red male Cardinal
and his tawny brown mate
have set up housekeeping nearby.
The quiet female always sits patiently
on a branch above the feeder tray,
allowing her mate the first share.
On the ground, the resident mourning doves
coo gently as several cheerful robins
search the grass for wiggle worm treats.

I am grateful so many have returned
seeking sustenance and shelter
for another round of Spring.
Meanwhile, a resident hawk
sits in nearby pines
along the misty river bank.

And so begins another round
of the wondrous magical cycle
called life.

© Copyright 2009 Kathleen Kacy Stafford - All Rights Reserved
SEA
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with you
1 posted 2009-03-27 08:47 AM


watching nature in action is a treat.

I just like that the bird songs are back!

secondhanddreampoet
Member Ascendant
since 2006-11-07
Posts 6394
a 'Universalist' !
2 posted 2009-03-27 09:00 AM


Poetry 'Springs' eternal!

fine imagery ... effective nature write!

Applause!!

Margherita
Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236
Eternity
3 posted 2009-03-27 09:41 AM


You have painted a beautiful scenery, dear Kacy. All living beings need to keep vigilant always. There are many kinds of hawks!
You have perceived perfect harmony.

Love,
Margherita

Midnitesun
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4 posted 2009-03-27 10:00 AM


Susan, Bruce, Margherita...thanks for the visit! Birds have always fascinated me, and each year the rites of Spring give me new hope that we can all learn to protect their habitats worldwide.
Each day I receive Bird Life International email updates of what is happening globally to protect endangered species and foster good environmental awareness of our winged chain of life.
I cannot even imagine Spring without Wings.

*link to Birdlife International's website:
  http://www.birdlife.org/worldwide/global/index.html

Today's update is a must read!!! http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2009/03/alaskan_fisheries_protected.html

Earth Angel
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since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
5 posted 2009-03-27 10:53 AM


Kacy, you should be charging me for all the posts of yours that I have saved over the years!

Your poetic talent appears to come 'Nature-ally'.

I checked out the links you gave in your reply. All it takes is one of the links (i.e. the cod) to go missing, to effect a total upset in the eco-system!


Linda


Robert E. Jordan
Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
6 posted 2009-03-27 02:21 PM


Yo dear Kacy,

This is a good bird poem.  We have sparrows, wrens, sea gulls, and pigeons.  The pigeons are nice because you can eat them if you have to.

Pigeons, and people are part of that chain of life.

Love Bobby

[This message has been edited by Robert E. Jordan (03-27-2009 03:38 PM).]

ethome
Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858
New Brunswick Canada
7 posted 2009-03-27 06:36 PM


Excellent nature write Kacy.
It's just a pleasure to read the words of others that have such respect for life.

Very enjoyable.

Eric

Mysteria
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British Columbia, Canada
8 posted 2009-03-27 08:00 PM


Well...I loved the poem, but as for those woodpeckers.  I have to tell you if they would stick to the trees I wouldn't mind, but the little peckers get up early and rat-a-tat-tat on my metal chimney cap.  

Okay, I will honor nature, and accept the morning "taps" as new birth just for you.  

Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California
9 posted 2009-03-27 08:31 PM


I love birds too, Kacy. Woodpeckers are facinating creatures and I remember the hawks all too well. As a child it was my job to shake a towel at them to drive them away from the chickens. I was probably lucky they didn't take me.
                                  Ida

Midnitesun
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Gaia
10 posted 2009-03-27 08:33 PM


Happy to have so many wonderful nature loving poets here!
Artic Wind
Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 8080
Realm of Supernatural
11 posted 2009-03-27 08:44 PM


LOL at Mysteria's bird issue response! ~ Those birdies....

Enjoyed this write so much!


ARCTIC WIND

Robert E. Jordan
Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
12 posted 2009-03-27 08:44 PM


Yo Kacy,

Watch who you're calling a "nature" lover.  I love "human nature".

Bobby

Krawdad
Member Elite
since 2001-01-03
Posts 2597

13 posted 2009-03-27 08:50 PM


Awww, come on, Mysteria, let the woodies have their love song - they don't mean any harm (the louder the better as far as he is concerned!).
Midnitesun
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Gaia
14 posted 2009-03-27 08:55 PM


Grinning at Krawdad's reply to Mysteria's chimney peckers comment.
Ida, so you were a hawk chaser?
Bobby, I love human nature as well, but in truth? I think I prefer observing birds much more.
Arctic, I knew you were a fine feathered poet friend.
Eric, thank you for the visit and kind comment!

sandgrain
Member Elite
since 1999-09-21
Posts 3662
Sycamore, IL, USA
15 posted 2009-03-27 09:37 PM


Have you been looking out our dining room window?  We have the same birds, except woodpeckers are rarely seen.  We enjoy them so much, too.  Loved your poem.

Rae

Mysteria
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British Columbia, Canada
16 posted 2009-03-27 09:40 PM


Well I never met a woman yet that would respond when a man whistled, or banged on a tree, have you? ((^*))
LindsayP
Member Elite
since 2007-07-28
Posts 3410
Australia, Victoria
17 posted 2009-03-27 09:56 PM



Dear Kacy you do paint a beautiful word picture of the coming of Spring. You tell

it tenderly with a genuine love of all the wildlife. I loved it. Love to you my friend.

Lindsay

Artic Wind
Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 8080
Realm of Supernatural
18 posted 2009-03-27 09:59 PM


Cute name, woodies! LOL awwee


ARCTIC WIND

Billie Cullimore
Member
since 2009-03-27
Posts 315

19 posted 2009-03-27 10:05 PM


loved your poem


secondhanddreampoet
Member Ascendant
since 2006-11-07
Posts 6394
a 'Universalist' !
20 posted 2009-03-27 10:14 PM


YES! ...

"And so begins another round
of the wondrous magical cycle
called life(!)"

FINALLY Spring!!

continuing applause for this 'penning'!!

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