I don't know why the blackbird sings.

I don't know why the blackbird sings,

though I am grateful that he brings

to me a tuneful melody.

At dawn he greets me with a song,

while perched upon the silver birch.

He charms my mood with poetry.

If ever I should fail to hear

those soulful notes so sweet and clear,

they'll be no hope of saving me.

For I'll be lost forever more

where sounds of nature can't be heard

and all the garden birds have flown

and left me to eternity.

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

ah, "forever more"
"as i ponder weak and weary" although this is a version much more hopeful...this speaker is not visited by the foreboding Raven....this birds song is beautiful...and the speaker wants to hear more, live more...
Not ready to fly with the blackbird into eternity's cloud.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

How right you are. The blackbird's song is a melody for living. I can think of nothing finer than to be greeted at dawn by the beautiful notes of this bird. Thank you for your insightful response Jacob.

Chris

[Lorry]

Well Chris, you have left me in a quandary here. Shall I leave you to thoughts of prosaic song welcoming the new dawn, with grateful thanks to Mary Nature, which twitches the muse within into action, or tell you the harsh reality that its just Bill the blackbird letting Pete the pigeon know yesterday's football results? Oops, I mean, it's definitely the ma nature first thing I said. 😀

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Lorry. Mary nature does it for me :)

Chris

[Lorry]

That meant to say ma, but the forking predunctive toast chained it. 😀

[Chris Shaw]

Ha ha. I quite like nature being called Mary.

[Kay Salisu Titilola]

I'm charmed, Chris.
This truly tells what nature is.
I love nature I won't deny.
It also makes me feel like a king,
Crowned by the greens of the trees,
the songs of the birds,
The colourful butterflies,
And the twinkling fireflies.

Nature is beautiful!
And be healer a man could have.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Kay. A response in a poem. I like that. Nature is always close to me. I appreciate your response.

Chris

[Fay Slimm]

fine flow and rhythm Chris - and a lovely scene you conjour while asking your question - - blackbirds are my absolute favourite so could relate to this perfectly - - thank you.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Fay. The song of the blackbird has to be the sweetest to greet you each morning. Pleased you found my words relatable.

Chris

[emipoemi]

I'm detecting some grammatical oddity within the last two lines, but apart from that, this is beyond words!! Well freaking done!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you emipoemi. Your visit appreciated.

Chris

[emipoemi]

always a pleasure.

[Laura Kate]

I absolutely adore this rhythm, I really enjoyed reading it aloud. I had a similar impression to Jacob, the song being life and you're not sure why the blackbird brings it to you. It is there however and the day you choose not to hear it would be a sad day indeed.
Lovely read, you've reminded me of a lullaby which I started to write about the birdsong which I will dig out!
Many thanks,
Laura

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Laura. I really appreciate both your visit and your thoughts. All good wishes.
read moreMany thanks Laura. I really appreciate both your visit and your thoughts. All good wishes.

Chris

[Lydia Shutter]

Such a lyrical write....and a great take on "I know why the caged bird sings" title from Maya Angelou! Wonderful rhythm and rhyme. I liked it a lot. Lydi**

[Papaya]

this is beautiful. :)
Most of my blackbird poems are depressing.
I like how this balances the light and dark.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ana. The blackbird's song is so uplifting to me. If I write about crows you will not be uplifted. Crows and ravens are birds of death. Give me a robin, sparrow, lark, red kites, wren, then expect to be uplifted. All good wishes.

Chris

[Papaya]

thank you for reminding me of the birds' beautiful songs. :) with spring upon us I hear them again. it's very uplifting, I do agree (:

[Chris Shaw]

What has happened to your lovely face? You are in mourning colours Ana :(

[Papaya]

I always feel anxiety about showing my face. It's easier to hide. :) But that's the 'busy/processing' symbol. it's not mourning. maybe something cheerier though...

[Chris Shaw]

Shows you how bad my eye sight is :) My phone screen is quite small and I can't see detail. Good that you aren't mourning. You have an attractive, friendly and welcoming face. Don't be afraid to show it.

[Papaya]

Thank you! That feels really nice to hear, Chris.
:)

[Chris Shaw]

:)..................

[Kent Rawski]

I like this a lot it rhymes well flows well and I seemed to catch the essence that whelmed up in poetry this is so good and thank you of the imagery of a blackbird perched on a silver birch truly inspiring words that catch natures natural beauty and glad you were only gone for a spot is that correct English terminology?

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Kent for your appreciation of my blackbird poem. Yes gone for a spot I understood. Sometimes a break and time in the real world is needed. Good to hear from you.

Chris

[Robert Trakofler]

your soul full song to bunny's heart
such grace his ears you do impart
embrace so warm for his days start
in prose returns so thankfully :)

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Bunny, I thank you for your warmth. It is felt. Have a lovely day.

Chris

[Onlyme]

The beauty of the blackbird song, endearing, intriguing and makes you yearn for living life more fully and wisely. As when we are gone from this earth we sadly are gone for good. And no more bird song to be heard. Only memories.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dawn. The bkackbird's song is more than beautiful.

Chtis