Song Thrush
Song Thrush Inspiration
I wrote this after hearing wonderful, soaring birdsong outside my house. I ran out to find that it came from what I assumed was a Song Thrush, a bird I had never knowingly seen, certainly never heard, before.
Spellbound, I didn’t want to miss a note but took a risk in rushing indoors to get my camera. It had moved to a perch which provided a much better photo! The song continued for a couple of hours. I thought I’d heard the last of it but no! Much to my delight, this songster gave another concert in the evening. I haven’t seen or heard one again since but his memory will stay with me for ever and inspired the poem below.
Song Thrush
As I opened the door, it flooded my senses,
piercing the sunlit garden, a melody of songs;
piping high and long, reaching for a response,
whistling refrains to a mate, hardly waiting for the echo,
chirruping fancies with sheer joy, alive
now that Spring had finally arrived.
Standing entranced, I searched the foliage,
no idea of what I’d find, hearing this never before;
a softer, low warble, reflecting quieter thoughts,
regrouping vocal chords, ready to belt forth over and over
a trilled crescendo to claim his presence, his life,
a celebration, end to winter strife.
Chirp, cheep, peep, chirrup, varying his pace,
then long shrill notes piping to the sea shore,
swaying to twitters, not a care for all else
save the sun’s rays, the clear air and Spring’s advance
calling to instinct’s urge to shout as a town crier
claiming territory, his heart a-fire.
I let it move my heart, body and soul,
accepted his example; living, working hard,
while celebrating nature’s gift, enveloping its presence.
I captured him, only on camera, careful to stay quiet,
avoiding any sudden moves, fearing his swift flight,
to keep for ever his song in sight.
AFC 2018
For more works by this author see Ann Carr on The Creative Exiles.
https://www.creativeexiles.com/author/ann/
You can also read more works by Ann Carr on Hubpages.
https://hubpages.com/@annart
I'm a member of HubPages (hubpages.com/@annart) which has helped me hone my writing skills.I have published an anthology of stories and poems on the subject of 'words', entitled 'Take a Word!', designed to encourage writers to stretch their boundaries when choosing words.
It's exciting to be a part of a community which has the same passion for writing.
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Very awesome – thanks for sharing – it’s amazing that a single moment can be developed into an entire ensemble of words, by an experienced poet….
Thank you very much, Ralph!
I’m delighted that you enjoyed this. It was a once in a lifetime experience that I had to share. Your comments are much appreciated.
Ann
A lovely poem, Ann. I have never seen or heard a song thrush but I am sure it has an amazing song. I hope he returns soon to serenade you again.
Thank you, John. If you ever do hear one, you will never forget it; it stays with you in your heart and soul. If I never hear another I shall be content that I had that privilege once; if I do hear it again, I shall be over the moon!
I appreciate your support, as always.
Ann
Carefully reading…I could almost hear every note chimed and twitted by the song thrush. I think if I rewind the time spent here on this Poem…I most definitely will hear it…no doubt. Excellent! Takes me to opening my own back door…and hearing one little bird belting out a single symphony for Spring among the barren leafless branches of a late Winters morn. Really enjoyed this one.
Thank you very much, Steve. Glad you enjoyed this and that it took you back to a similar experience.
I appreciate your support.
Ann
Great work Ann, a single moment in time can inspire us to relive it in our words. You did just that, so beautifully.
Amazing use of rhythm. Each line resembled birdsong. Well-crafted and a joy to read and hear aloud. Jamie
Thank you for your generous comments Jamie. Glad you enjoyed it. It’s great to know that some read it out loud.
Ann