Blue Ribbon Nest
Darling, for you!
I’ve built this nest.
For you, my starling,
Deserve the best.
I started with mud
To mortar the sticks
To make it strong
Like a house of bricks.
I’ve shaped it round
To comfort your end
As you sit and sit and
Our chicks you tend.
To soften your seat,
I’ve lined it with fur
From our neighbor the cat
With the deafening purr.
But that’s not all.
For you, there’s more.
I’ve added front steps
And a solid oak door.
I’ve found blue ribbons.
And woven them in
To match the feathers
Beneath your chin.
Darling, for you,
I’ve built this nest.
I hope you’ll agree
It’s by far the best.
© 2012 Elizabeth Ehrenfest Steinglass, all rights reserved
Liz, what a loving voice, building for “my darling the starling”! Look forward to coming back and exploring your tanka, too. I got your note and I’m not ignoring you. : ) Just have to pace myself carefully during this heavy year. Thanks for getting in touch!
Thanks for checking in! I look forward to hearing from you when you have a chance.
What a sweet poem! I love it!
Isn’t the picture amazing, amazing that the birds know how and where and when. And for you to write such words from that is lovely. Love it all, but especially that “front steps and a solid oak door”
Hi, Liz. How are you finding the poem a day project? I especially like the cat’s appearance in the poem and the implication that the birds are getting the better of a furry feline.
Right now, I’m trying to treat the poetry-writing like a job, so I do it Monday through Friday and give myself the weekend off. Sometimes we run out of Cheerios or clean socks, but I try to forgive myself for that. I think writing all the time gives me a little more faith that yes, something will eventually appear on the page. And I think I know a little better how to find inspiration–by walking, going out, or reading. I’m definitely learning a ton!
Lucky bird — a messy nest has been made into a marvelous home in your poem! Love the solid oak door!