HOMELESS IN SPRING

Homeless in Spring

The cardinal’s feathers contrasted
sharply with the hedge bush.
He flitted noisily nearby
until the buzzing hushed.

In disarray, the bush fell
to the daisy-dotted ground.
A hand reached to gather the limbs,
then stopped at a soft, cheeping sound.

A nest of twigs and twine–
home of featherless bird babies–
once secure in the fork of the limbs,
now lay scattered in the daisies.

The cheep–cheep of the birdies
could no longer be denied.
The big man picked them up,
and with no one looking, cried.

© Freeda Baker Nichols

“Thy fate is the common fate of all, into each life some rain must fall . . .” Quoting from “The Rainy Day” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807 – 1882)

 

 

Another Lanterne

Snow

will fall

tomorrow

weather report

states.

© Freeda Baker Nichols

 

BANNER MOUNTAIN GIRL # 52 Christmas on the Mountain

Oh, it’s Christmas on the mountain
and the stars are burning bright
when the cool dark of December
spreads into the blackened night.

Oh, it’s Christmas on the mountain
and the snowflakes twirl and swirl
when the cool dark of December
turns each flake into a pearl.

When it’s Christmas on the mountain,
the wild creatures run to play
in the cool dark of December
on the eve of Christmas Day.  © Freeda Baker Nichols

Colorful Birds

welcome visitor
to backyard feeding pan
the cardinals

© Freeda Baker Nichols

 

 

REDBIRD STORY

#1 OF 7

#2 OF 7

#3 OF 7

#4 OF 7

#5 OF 7

# 6 0F 7

#7 OF 7

How Many Redbirds?

seventeen redbirds, day before New Years eve, on Muscadine vine

Can you find all seventeen? If not, how many do you find?

Moment & Motion

Photo101 – Moment and Motion – While I was watching the birds this morning during a misty rain, this redbird came flying in so fast to the feeder, he barely stopped at the edge of the tray. He provided my
“moment in motion” and I snapped his picture for today’s assignment!   #photo101 Day Thirteen

 

A Snow Day for Birds

Facing Off

How dare you chase him away!

Doves Came Today

Doves joined redbirds today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today
the doves came to join
redbirds, sparrows and chickadees
at mealtime.
They gathered around the feeder
and shared sunflower seeds and
mullet.

The doves
had not been here since
they built their nest in the plum-tree
last April.
Such peaceful birds, the Mourning Doves
moved in and around the flock
with ease.

c Copyright, 2013  Freeda Baker Nichols

Birds in Winter

Note: Cameo pattern of poetry. Seven lines with exact syllable count in free verse.  2-5-8-3-8-7-2

Redbirds Waiting

Redbirds Waiting

As snow falls
redbirds wait their turn
at feeder.
Other birds–
even sparrows take their time
pecking at the seeds.

c Copyright, 2013, Freeda Baker Nichols

Note: This little poem is a shadorma. A pattern with 6 lines with strict syllabic count: 3-5-3-3-7-5. It’s unrhymed, and often seasonal, capturing a moment in nature.