Ode to Phoebe

sweet and demure... as pure as duckling down

Once upon a bough... I espied the loveliest bird 

with the most gentle smile with wee tiny tears 

in each eye... I knew I would place a gold band 

on her left leg to mark a day of discovery... 

the first for the shy and gentle beauty... an 

American Bird to be banded by John James Audubon

when he tied a string on the leg of an eastern Phoebe.... 

May the softest breast of feathers be blessed... always.  

 

Reviews

[Sami Khalil]

A great American naturalist honored along with the profession by a great poet and artist. I like the title and the message of the poem. Branding and banding the birds take time and patience, observation, love for nature and birds. Then the blessing at the end. Wow!

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Sami... your review has Charm that warms my day... and I thank you ever so much. A breath of Spring is what we need. 🎻🎶🍀☂️👩‍🎨 truly, Pat

[Sami Khalil]

So true and well said. You are welcome...

[emmajoy]

Those Audobon watercolours are beautiful.. truly beautiful. With some, it seems as if the creature might step or flutter towards the viewer. A fine poem, as ever, dear Pat. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. Hope you've read one or two of the books about the man himself.

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Em... I have seen a few of the Audubon watercolors painted by John James Audubon... amazing how talented he was.
My goal will be to see more. I just thought of the saying... “Do not want more... Be more”. I suppose “talent” like being an Artist 👩‍🎨 👨‍🎤 or a sculptor... a musician, a doctor or nurse and so many gifted professions would include “to Be more”.
Even a Landscaper and a Poet or Chef or Professor. Em, thank you for being a talented well informed Artist of Feelings, among many virtues. truly, Pat

[emmajoy]

Thank YOU for writing such lovely, peaceful and kind poetry, Pat. I'ts always such a pleasure to enter your world. As to what I said above or elsewhere , have various loves: the countryside and everything within it, landscaping, books and their contents, cooking and exploring foods from all over, theatre.. and the Arts. Like people too.. they're very much part of life's theatre!!!

Please take care of yourself. Hope your day's going calmly, and you and your husband have a rest day perhaps? .

[Patricia Wedel]

I think of the song, “He has the whole world in His hands” as we go about our every day duties. truly, Pat

[emmajoy]

Only partially recognised the words, need to look up.. and now, I understand your thinking, dear Pat..

He's Got the Whole World in His Hand

(Gathering, Praise)
This spiritual was written in World War II by Obie Philpot, a Cherokee Indian. It speaks of God as our creator and protector.

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Em... thank you for discovering who wrote the above classic song, "He's got the whole world in his Hand"... I have always loved the words, including-- "He's got the little bitsy baby in his hand". My son Robert married a Navajo young woman, so their two daughters are half Navajo and half Irish, Hungarian and Scottish. I love that Obie Philpot was a Cherokee Indian who wrote the above song. Most of us have a lot of respect for the wonderful Indian ancestors. truly, Pat

[emmajoy]

Our ancestors helped make us what we are, petal.
To think how many wonderful traits your grand daughters have!

I like to learn different things, but sometimes find it hard to remember details, hence keeping notes etc. in my journal.

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Em... yes, my granddaughters are talented and strong ... many of us have Indian ancestry and I am proud of having a mixture to share with my granddaughters. They flew here in May of 2019 and stayed here for a week along with my son and their Mother Leilani and her Mother. Good thing we moved to a bigger house two years ago with all of the Bedrooms upstairs. It was pure Joy. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA about two thousand miles away. I talk to them on the phone and see Videos of them. Love, Petal x

[emmajoy]

Two thousand miles... oh my, what to say about that space between you. But then, when you love people, space is meaningless, isn't it. Hugs and smiles, peta!

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Jacob... thank you for your gentle
review of the first American bird to be banded by
John James Audubon. The delicacy of a young
feathered bird is a legacy of love where beginnings
can have happy endings. truly, Pat

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this is so cool...treating this delicate little bird as we would an infant...
swaddling the little birdie in infant clothes...
j.

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Jacob... your tender heart has been embedded in your review... the photo of the Phoebe is like an Infant angel clothed in angel wings and the softest of feathers. We appreciate you. truly, Pat