Centre Stage

(thank you for the inspiration Neville)

once I saw

badgers emerge slowly

from their setts

to forage and feed

upon leftover food scraps

positioned with care

by kind kitchen staff

at the foot of a perfectly

manicured lawn

bordered by bushes

covered with prolific heads

of purple rhododendrons

whose magnificent blooms

shared the glare

of garden spotlights

many eyes peered

through pristine patio glass

on that dark summer night

yet those creatures remained

oblivious that they were

centre stage

badgers at dawn

in your garden today

reminded me

Reviews

[Eilis]

I just read Neville’s badger poem too. I love how animals and nature itself can inspire us without really meaning to. Which is how I feel after reading both of your poems.

We have a family of possums that visit our yard nightly and eat old produce from our compost pile. They, and many other creatures sneak in under cover of night to avoid our gaze, but the impulse to see them sees us sneaking out to catch a glimpse often enough. The dance between the human and animal worlds is such a curious thing. They know enough of us to know to stay away when we are in sight, but we can’t help but be driven together in our separate existences. And seek out ways of catching glimpses into the simplicity of their world.

I love this snapshot you’ve shared, Chris, and how it allows us all to be voyeurs in a sense. One of those rare moments where the two worlds can come together and we can watch the creature in its habit without scaring it off. There’s a peace in this that I really enjoyed this morning. Lovely work.

[Chris Shaw]

Happy that you enjoyed this little memory Eilis, triggered off by Neville's badgers this morning. I love looking at wild life. Thank you for sharing the possums and for your lovely review.

Chris

[Ethel]

It's very nice that you could give importance to such common creatures, in your write up.
This is what poetry is meant to do.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ethel. I have just accepted your friend request. Thank you. Thank you also for paying me a valued visit. All good wishes and good luck with your writing.

Chris

[Ethel]

You're welcome and thanks for the wishes

[Chris Shaw]

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

[Jimmy Yetts]

Who would have thought oblivious badgers--and their fond recollection--could be the subject of such a lovely poem.
Badgers usually badger--not warm hearts.
But, of course, it is you, Chris, who, frequently, warms the reader's heart.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jimmy. I know badgers aren't a particularly popular creature in some parts, but I loved watching them. Yes, we normally see just one, dead by the roadside. This time is was special. Thank you for your lovely review.

Chris

[Rye]

oh those badgers funny little creatures of habit...
nicely written

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Rye for your visit. Much appreciated.

Chris

[Gee]

Like Gram, the only badgers I have seen are roadside and dead.
Your words have us standing beside you watching, no doubt smiling.
Hope you and yours are well Christine

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Gee. This was some time ago and it was a delight to watch. Yes the only ones I see these days are road kill. I guess that's why I thought this was worth a poem. Seeing them content in their foraging and with their mates. A;l good here.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

interesting that they would garner so much interest, the meanest animals on the planet, and yet, even nature's most dangerous, or nasty are a joy to watch as they carry on with their daily routines.
to catch them in the act...to peer through that window...you gave us a look...
glad that the glass was between you and them.
thank you for this---those who are from Wisconsin would love this...it is the Badger state.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

You have taught me something Jacob. You have a badger state? That is something. We very rarely see them here, except dead on the roads. That was why this memory needed to be recorded. Didn't know that badgers were mean. You have told me two things in your response that I didn't know about. Your visits and encouragement so much appreciated.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

I like the way this one slowly builds up, painting a beautiful word picture of the setting. Also liked the way the badgers went about their business matter of factly, unaware (or maybe unconcerned) by the human attention. By any chance are you and Neville sharing badgers?

[Chris Shaw]

Ha! Neville and I don't share badgers, we are social distancing :)) His thoughts on badgers inspired my write. Many thanks for your visit. Much appreciated.

Chris

[Phill Oz O'fee]

Our short-legged omnivores are a pleasure to observe in the wild - your write brings home the poignancy of protecting nature and all our creatures great and small. Lovely imagery created within the text - a lovely read my friend... :-)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Phill for your generous response. Hope you are keeping well my friend. I appreciate your visit.

Chris

[gram linski]

great piece of observational poetry Chris, feel jealous , used to see deer and foxes driving to work, sadly the only real badgers I have ever seen were lying by the road

[Chris Shaw]

Sad gram that most badgers we see are roadkill. This is about the only occasion I can recall seeing them in a group, feeding and content. Thanks for your valued response.

Chris

[zainul]

A wonderful canvas with oblivious badgers and magnificent blooms of purple rhododendrons.
Great write,Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you zainul, I appreciate your visit.

Chris

[Lorry]

It's like that here in the wee hours, looking through my window as I sip my coffee and try to wake up. It sometimes feels like they are letting us into their secret little world, especially when you're not making any noise and they look straight at you.
Sometimes it even feels like they are putting on a show just forus, but that's more those show off sqirrels and their acrobatic shenanigans. Honestly, it seems everything they do is an audition.
Now i am wondering what soundtrack would play when watching badgers. Mission impossible theme for squirrels, carmina buranna for owls, hmm... Suggestions on a postcard to the usual address.
I really like this little secret glimpse into nature, I just hope it doesn't go to their heads like those little squirrel show offs 😀

[Chris Shaw]

Thinking about the sound tracks. That made me laugh Lorry. I like the idea of animals auditioning for parts. Pleased you enjoyed this little bit of nature. Ma y thank yous.

Chris