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

[Markus Anthony]

it left a huge tug in my heart, it's almost like, the speaker is leaving and will be somewhere none has ever really confirmed, just stories of comfort and assurance.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Markus, I appreciate your visit and response. All the best.

Chris

[BlackPrince]

This is a wonderful and beautiful poem!
The imagery of the Black bird singing and your appreciation of its melody represents the beauty of nature and compassionate human gratitude, which is needed since we cohabitate in harmony with nature. And when we pay attention to Mother Earth's small, big and significant details (such as flowers, sun, moon, stars, rivers...) as you so rightly do here noticing the singing of the Black bird, then we find inspiration, wonder and beauty.

I love the poem's overall layout and structure. The rhyme scheme feels natural and balanced rhythmically. The imagery and word choice are in sync with context, concept and content. The last stanza, having an extra line, adds smooth necessary and still yet complementary contrast to the whole poem, avoiding monotony. You express your ideas with truth, love and beauty.
Your awareness of craftsmanship and your passion and skill as a poet makes this poem a wonderful gem, a masterpiece, an inspiration.

Well done!

[Chris Shaw]

I am most touched by your thorough and thoughtful review. You have really read and understood my motivation for writing this poem. The final stanza of your response is the icing on the cake for me. To have one's work truly appreciated is more than uplifting. Thank you Black Prince.

Chris

[HB Rita]

You remind me of the song-
‘Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise....’

Black bird is changing your mood with melody and harmony! You are now worry for the day when all the birds will fly leaving you alone and you don’t hear the sounds of nature anymore! Nobone wants to leave the beauty of nature Christine! Long live and stay peaceful.

[Chris Shaw]

You know how important nature is to me and the blackbird singing is one of those gifts that is given to me and that I truly appreciate. Many thank yous HB Rita for your encouragement. So appreciated.

Chris

[HB Rita]

You will live with the nature and beauty for forever..... the greens will turn in to yellow someday, but it will remember you day to day changing.... the black bird will fly someday but he/she will carry your love with wings and you will be there watching all the natural beauty ❤️

[‘Thoughts In Time..]

Winderful words of appreciation- yes the distant sound of birds singing and calling out un nature is a melody to ease ur mind 🌹

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Kelly for appreciation the song of blackbirds. Many thanks.

Chris

[‘Thoughts In Time’🌹]

My pleasure🌹🌹🌹

[Stella Armour]

Oh yes, birdsong is the most uplifting music i can imagine; especially from the beautiful blackbird singing his little heart out on a spring morning :)

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Stella. Nice to see you back here. Hope you are recuperating well. A big thank you for responding to my blackbirds singing.

Chris

[Stella Armour]

Getting there slowly thanks Chris, it's abit painful sitting at computer, but never mind ... no pain , no gain lol :)

[Chris Shaw]

Take it easy Stella. No rush is there,? Dull and dreary morning here, how fickle our weather is.

[Stella Armour]

Dull and drearyhere too ... much like the news headlines.
No, there is no rush, just me being impatient lol.

[Chris Shaw]

I am not looking at news headlines or even buying newspapers at the moment. It just stirs up unwanted emotion.

[Stella Armour]

it does Chris.... seeing as i am not mobile enough to do much i think today will be spent listening to music ♫

[Chris Shaw]

Good idea. Happy listening :)

[Weeping willow]

Beautiful write, love your words, so elegantly put together ;-]

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Weeping willow for your encouraging review. All good wishes

Chris

[Kelly Scheppers]

It's engaging to listen to nature. The lilts of a breeze often bring the coo of a mourning dove to me, and I find it most endearing. I believe the caws of the crow are actually a form of communication among them. Such a stirring piece, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for your visit Kelly. Nature has many sweet songs.

Chris

[Troy Henson]

Often seen as shade is black and the raven/crow as a dark entity however the bird has a much more deep and meaningful presence that’s simply misunderstood based on appearance. Never judge a book by its cover as this bird, it’s sweet tones of song are quite delightful.

[Chris Shaw]

Yes the common old blackbird can bring can bring the sweetest of delights. I love to listen to their Dawn chorus. Thank you Troy for your visit and words. Most welcome.

Chris

[R.E. Ray]

The blackbird seems to have such an unfortunate reputation. But, you’ve brought justice in your poem. Here, black is a color we want to see.

[Chris Shaw]

Yes, black here is most welcome. This is where black can be most cheering. Thank you so much for another visit. Two in one day, much appreciated.

Chris