Robin at My Window Pane

You strange robin, all glossy  

  and prancy and quick, 

I hear your strange rapping  

  on my window outside. 

Your tack has high strangeness  

  of bird-brained trick. 

  

I might think you mere denizen  

  of woodland affinity, 

Or fear interstitial caper  

  of supernatural amenity, 

Bringing insistent coded note 

  of love or doom. 

  

Most robins stay too busy with  

  three broods a year. 

But you must be dining  

  on honeysuckle treat here -- 

Too much fermented nectar  

  and you topple from limb. 

  

I think you wintered here,  

  missed spring shivaree. 

Do you mistake divagate mate  

  reflecting in the glass? 

If so, window of opportunity  

  for nest will soon pass. 

  

Loved ones passed long ago  

  joked they might come 

To tease like poltergeist,  

  or guide me, so beware. 

You rattle me with your tapping 

  so close to my chair. 

  

We met last year as I thought  

  of my son gone before. 

I was sitting on my patio,  

  you pranced on my fence. 

I smiled and mused out aloud  

  that you might be more. 

  

I invited you gently, you came  

  and lit near as if you knew, 

Then flew away, and I summoned  

  you back just to see 

If eerie mental images of my son 

  were figments from you. 

  

Only horse or dog whisperer  

  might easily believe 

That robin wing provide mode  

  of travel for angel. 

Until that day, such a whim I  

  could never conceive. 

  

You knock, knock again with  

  your rapping mysterious. 

You are real, not apparition,  

  as others readily agree. 

To tell them my suspicions  

  might brand me delirious. 

  

Anyway, you harbinger of spring  

  are welcome as rain; 

And of all errant birds, I am glad  

  it is you who came, 

To stir my thoughts and cleanse 

  my memories of the pain. 

Author's Note

We all have stories of our interaction with God's creatures. This one takes the prize for eerie. It happened ten years ago.

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

What a beautiful and poignant write Doug, wonderful use of language and imagery. I had a similar experience with a blue butterfly which sat next to me in a pew at a close friend's funeral. I took it to be a sign, a signal from the heavens that all was well. Many years ago, but I have not forgotten it, and it has never been repeated. A talented write. I hope you are keeping well my friend in the midst of the chaos. I love robins. Such a beautiful creature.

Chris

[bigfootprint]

Thanks so much, Chris. I have missed our exchanges

[Chris Shaw]

I have not been posting so often Doug, and may miss when you are on wc due to our time difference. It was lovely seeing a new post from you. Take good care of yourself.

Chris

[bigfootprint]

Yes, I have been keeping busy learning (trying to) the guitar. I get tired of karaoke and video poker and such, Mostly write and post news item commentaries on FaceBook. Some people even read and comment, so it seems good therapy for me. I have been shut in by the stay home order for a month, and that was just extended through April. No place to go but the grocery store.

[Chris Shaw]

We have a stay at home order too Doug. Just completed two weeks. Like you trying to keep busy. Been doing plenty of gardening and my home has never been so clean. Takes a bit of getting used to, but I have been making the most of the telephone. Well done you teaching yourself guitar. Have you been doing any painting? Hopefully this dreadful situation won't last too long. So important we stick to the stay at home, to save lives.

[bigfootprint]

It is always inspiring to read your critiques. You reach right to the heart of the narrative and players to see the true implications. Thanks again Chris

[susie17]

Nicely done my friend, the topic drew my attention first. I like the visuals you present. (Thanks for recommending this site!)

[Eilis]

I'm not sure if you've read Seamus Heaney's poem The Blackbird of Glanmore. He had a similar experience to yours with a blackbird. It was his brother that he lost when they were both children (his poem MId-Term Break tells the story) and he imagines the blackbird to be his brother.

This is such a stirring poem, Doug. There are so many mysteries in life and if we close off our minds to things because they are not a part of our readily recognized experience we might miss something wonderful or healing. Loss seems to stay with us for our whole lives, no matter what ways we think we have moved on, and I love how your poem offers insight both into the ways we hold on and the ways life can temper the internal domestics in unexpected ways.

I had a cat when I was a teenager that I was sure was my stepfather. I believe those who loved us and we loved remember us as we remember them. Surely they wish for contact as we do. The form of a bird is enchanting and lifts the spirit. Seems only a fitting body for such an encounter.

I really enjoyed not only your story, but your form and language. Your poetry is always measured and precise. Constructed with care. I enjoy that aspect of your work.

[bigfootprint]

Thank you, Ellis. You give me much joy with your insightful comments and accolades. It is just such encouragement that keep us writing and posting. As for Seamus, (not sure of his last name) he and I shared many personred many exchanges on another poetry site. He loved to talk about his experiences in New Orleans. I found he and I shared many philosophical views. He had ultimate patience, even giving me a few pointers on his masterful wit and writings style. I hope you and I get to share many friendly critiques. -- Doug

[Patricia Wedel]

dear footprint... I am amazed how your conversations with
the Robin of melancholy Spring songs has given us an
introduction to a friend who understands. W have moved to a Bird Sanctuary,
and now in April they appear so nonchalantly with notes of celebration...
Lo, Winter is passed over and love lingers in the Meadows of Christian love
and devotion. truly, Pat

[bigfootprint]

Thanks for your comments, Pat. I bet you will have tales to tell, observing strangeness from your bird sanctuary. Wondrous nature can spring a surprise behind every tree.

[Betty Hermelee]

a memorable story of your interactions with this robin; with all kinds of thoughts going through your mind; is he an apparition? or real? What is he trying to tell you; he should be with his flock in a nest, but he seems to be smitten with you and you with him (in a mysterious way); In a way he is helping you get over your pain, after losing your son and maybe other family members; Does he see you or himself in the window pane?? He flies the coop ,but always comes back, so there is a strange connection between you both. So well written Doug, I'm jealous!!!

[bigfootprint]

A lovely commentary, Betty. Thanks for your analysis. Yes, that was a once-in-a-livetime experience, I think. I truly felt an ESP connection with some spirit associated with that bird.

[Betty Hermelee]

So did I!!! Lovely