An Avian Soundtrack

Open the window wider

on waking, catch a blackbird’s

early morning chant.

His melodious chimes

scattered with his neighbour,

the lively wren’s insistent start.

As summer dissolves

and autumn gradually takes

over in the annual relay.

The swift also leaves

from walls, eaves, barns

to return to the African array.

Signs are in the calls

of our friend the robin,

who takes up the heralding.

Between the holly prickles

and the closed-up cherry tree

there begins an enfolding.

A walk into the mild morning

air, taking in the scenes

of the urban landscape.

Encountering the magpie

as she inspects the grass,

caws, makes her quick escape.

This observer continues

onto the leaf-strewn path

seeking more feathered friends.

Next up: a hedge sparrow

flitting from branch to fence,

just as the pathway here bends.

The author on the hunt,

for more bird-related sights,

enters the central park with its lake.

Pacing around it with purpose,

she spies the pied wagtail

its call trailing in its wake.

Down the River Loddon, a coot

swims to meet another,

and calls to all of those around.

The familiar, the comforting

reports of the waterfowl

brings the thoughtful author round.

Returning home she notes

all visions and vital clues

to the emerging avian soundtrack.

One that has held her in awe,

inspiring the words that form within

her mind, to inscribe and read back.