Poetry Corner: Winged Warnings

POETRY CORNER

– 04/05/17

Hosted by Kathabela Wilson

Today we begin another important special series on the environment, threatened and precious to our lives. In today’s corner we listen to the birds, whose voices can inspire delight and also a watchful trepidation. We treasure and pay attention to some especially vulnerable, feathered beings around us we never want to lose.

~ Kathabela

Stellers Jay stained glass art by my dad, Don C. Sudbury, 1920-2013 (Photo – Jean Sudbury).

David Rice

Not Geologic Time

that finch
tumbling its voice
down the new-leafed birch
so many mistranslations
of its song

I cracked the code
it’s singing hubris
easy to ignore
a little red bird
that doesn’t speak polemic

watching the feeder
not as vulnerable
as the winged ones
I keep reminding myself
this isn’t just geologic time

David Rice of Berkeley, CA, says: “All praise to those who wear feathers.” As a dedicated birder, David listens closely to what he hears. He says he wrote three tanka on my morning walk about today’s topic, “Winged Warnings.” His subtle insights into life can inspire us all! David Rice is editor of the Tanka Society of America’s journal, Ribbons, and works as a psychologist.

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Tufted titmouse (Photo – Robin White).

Randall Herman​

the condor
glides among mountains
to avoid
discomfort we humans
raise obstacles to creation

Randall Herman sees the condor “as a symbol of how we humans can impact the environment. The negative impact results in endangered and extinct species. On the other hand, the recovery of species like the condor, grey wolf, and cutthroat trout show what happen when we strive to care for creation. I’m aware of large birds especially since I live in rural northeast Nebraska and often see eagles, falcons, and ospreys.”

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Winged warning (Photo – Pat Geyer).

Pat Geyer

sometimes
these short
noises…
trills of mercury
contamination

Pat Geyer says: “I’m a bird watcher and this is a subject close to my heart. I’m especially alarmed with all that’s going on today. with changes to the EPA. Scientists have long known that mercury is a potent toxin. It disrupts the architecture of human brains, and it can change birds’ behavior and kill their chicks. And, after extensive research in rural Virginia, scientists have shown that mercury also alters the very thing that many backyard birds are known for…their songs.”​

piping plover
trills a song of love…
wading through
dark water finds no mates
only beach balls and a frisbee

Pat Greyer says: “The piping plover remains one of New Jersey’s most endangered species. The threats that it faces, including increased beach recreation and predation, continue to act as serious impediments to the recovery of this species. Without intense protection and management, it is unlikely that the piping plover would survive in New Jersey.”​

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♣ We welcome and encourage your response especially in the form of short poems. You may reply by leaving a comment below.