ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS VISITOR



There are some things that are sacred and there are some things quite rare.
Some things are freely given – others cost to our despair.
Some things we take for granted whilst for others we show care
but the best things I have found in life are free.

Every morning we are given a free visual display.
The sun rising to blue skies marks the start of a new day
and at sun set she departs the stage and Miss Moon shows the way
and the ring seats to this bright light show are free.

When the mood is dark and stormy and we hear the cymbal crash
of the thunder, and the lightning strikes a bright and lively dash,
we are startled by the noise and by the incandescent flash -
if there’s damage caused though this show won’t be free.

But today here in my garden on my trusty old Hills hoist
sat a blue Kingfisher Sacred – though I never heard her voice
but her colours were resplendent – they’d be my colours of choice
and she showed them off exclusively for me.

Her breast was fawn, feathered and layered. This girls was trés chic
and her wings like jewelled turquoise iridescent and unique
Her head jet black, so glossy, like her elongated beak.
A fashion display was performed just for me.

She held within her beak a lizard fresh caught from the grass
which unfortunately meant the lizards time had come to pass.
Her manners were impeccable – she ate her meal with class
but did not extend an invite out to me.

But she let me take her picture, before she flew away,
I have never seen her here before – or witnessed her display.
I feel privileged. The Sacred Kingfisher – a shy but bright ballet
and like the best in life the price to it was free.


Maureen Clifford © 12/11

Good photo Maureen.

Maureen K Clifford wrote:Some things we take for granted

I saw a sad sight once, a couple of children were playing at the beach and a big pelican came walking right up close to them and they took no notice, no interest whatsoever. I thought, how tragic, ( my children would have been entranced at a close encounter with wildlife.)

I thought the poem was well done. You seem to have used mainly very simple, clear, short phrases which I think sets the scene very well for this event .

Thanks Neville - You are so right about the story of the kids with the Pelican. It is very sad when children especially fail to interact with nature...one would not expect them to be so jaded at such a young age that the magic of the encounter escapes them.

I get the biggest buzz from things like this but not from snakes

Thanks Maureen beautiful aren't they near where I lived in Victoria there was a colony of Rainbow birds that lived by the local creek very similar to the rainbow King fisher both with all their fantastic plumage

I think that it is the parents that need the education not the kids as they just do not know B.All about wild life

bill the old battler

Thanks Bill - glad you enjoyed the piccie

Cheers

Maureen