This morning the world’s white face reminds us
that life intends to become serious again.
And the same loud birds that all summer long
annoyed us with their high attitudes and chatter
silently line the gibbet of the fence a little stunned,
chastened enough…
I fill the feeders to the top and cart them
to the tree, hurrying back inside
to leave the morning to these ridiculous
birds, who, reminded, find the rough shelters,
bow, and then feed.
— Scott Cairns, from “Early Frost” in “The Translation of Babel” (The University of Georgia Press, 1990)
Notes:
- Poem: Thank you The Hammock Papers
- Photos: DK on December 15th & 16th in backyard.
Seems that the unwelcome annoyances of life are soon desired when some greater threat to security comes along.
-Alan
Truth!
Your photos are stunning, Dave. The top one is prize worthy.
As my mother would say, “ And I’m not just blowing sunshine up your skirt, either.”
Beautiful.
Smiling. Thanks so much Roseanne! Appreciate the kind words. Happy Holidays to you and your family!
Roseanne wrote exactly what I was “composing in my mind” Dave. (I probably would have skipped the skirt thing… Sounds a bit weird coming from a man :-).
Top photo in particular (picket fence):
OUTSTANDING! AWARD WORTHY!
At a minimum, worthy of sitting in an 8 x 10 frame in your home (or mine 😉
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Paul
PS: I just looked up to the heavens and whispered to my wonderful mother: “Mom I hope you can see this beautiful picture”. She absolutely loved watching the birds. She was (and still is) my best friend… I talk to her every day (watery eyes as I write this).
Awwwwwwwwwww.
Thank you Paul! Merry Christmas to you too!
[…] bow, and then feed […]
It really is interesting how quiet the birds are this time of year
Hi Mimi. Yes, that’s what caught my attention to with the line: “silently line the gibbet of the fence a little stunned”
So beautiful dear David, Thank you, Love, nia
Thank you Nia! Happy Holidays!
I think they have to become hyper-vigilant at this time of year, in order to survive and get through the winter
Not sure I would have the same strength!
I would surrender in an hour
So Zen!
Birds. Who knew?
(You did…. and you tried to tell me)
Now. Now, I know.
Thank you DK.
Right
I think next life time I’ll be coming back as a bird. This human thing I’d overrated.
Tough day? Stats says 10’s of millions of feral cats decimating bird population. You sure?
Ok, I’ll come back as a feral cat then.
Should be a natural transition.
I take this as a compliment, Mr.
How beautiful. And at this end of the world we are in the midst of the early morning chatter and late afternoon goodnights.
So true. Thank you.
I do wonder if birds have any idea how lovely we think they are, David. If so, would they care? *Yes, I’m aware that I probably need a lot more coffee this morning!* 😉 Cher xoxoxo
I hope they know Cher! Happy Holidays!
So true, and beautiful: “Bow, and then feed.”
Yes!