Great Crested

(river observations)

grebes of the river
elegant water birds wearing
ornate plumed headdresses
put to shame members
of our own species who
fail to nurture their
young

a late brood in july
sees a mother ferrying
four dabchicks on her back
with apparent ease
while a proud father dives
beneath rippled surface
for breakfast bites

august hurries along
shows a growing family
healthy and adventurous
in the playground vicinity
where a parental eye
remains watchful
for hazards

on guard for red kites
hovering overhead
at the ready or sly pikes
rising from the underworld
unannounced as chicks
circle in innocence

Reviews

[Sami Khalil]

A great poem of observation along with a deep message. We need to nurture, protect and watch the youngsters grow. Many dangers surround them ofcourse. With a watchful eye, caring hands, protective spirit, they will be safe. Even nature has it's way of survival.
Live and let live and then soar up and up
Marvelous work.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Sami, thank you for your lovely review. We can learn a great deal through observation of nature. All the best to you.

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

So true and well. You are welcome. Have a lovely weekend.

[W. Barrett Munn]

Put to shame indeed. But it is a difficult line to walk between self-care and children.

Winston

[Chris Shaw]

Hardest job of the lot Winston, being a parent. Thank you for stopping by today. All the best.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

A wonderful poem shared dear Chris. I go to the river and I go to the lakes nearby. It is so cool to watch the birds and their babies. September is here. Perfect weather in Michigan. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry for nature.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

So pleased Coyote you enjoyed this write. Many thank yous for your lovely comment.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome dear Chris.

[John the Baptist]

Sounds as though the grebes are attentive parents. Nice to see someone isn't trying to dodge child support.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks for the smile John. I appreciate the visit.

Chris

[Writergurl]

AH, I love this, such wonderful imagery. I love watching chicks with their mother swimming about. This is amazing

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review. It can be delightful observing the wildife on and around the river. Have a good Thursday.

Chris

[Writergurl]

you too.....

[Neville]

Not everything is as it seems is it .. whilst on the surface, everything may appear calm, near perfect even the image in my mind of your great crested grebes & their dabchick young which is such a fine example of this and what I mean .. but there is nevertheless, always danger of some description all around us .. From the kites above perhaps .. the holier than thou .. and from those ravenous pike down below ..

Your poem mirrors real life so accurately .. I fear I shall never venture out again .. Enjoyed to the hilt n back again tho regardless Chris :)

Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Neville. Pleased you consider my poem mirrors life accurately. Delightful to observe the life on the river. Have a good Thursday.

[Stella Armour]

I can just see them gliding effortlessly by .......
Parents and chicks , seldom is family life so peaceful and serene with us humans.... :(

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Stella. They set a fine example and they are such fun to watch. The dabchicks are getting much bolder now and getting bigger by the day.

Chris

[Stella Armour]

You have a view to their childhood and progress .... you lucky thing :)

[Dave]

Like you, I take joy in watching the young geese and their parents at the pond in our park. The mother scooting along with the gooselings trailing behind with the gander, ever watchful, keeping an eye over them all.
Have a wonderful day and take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Dave, lovely to have a visit from you. Hope all is well for you and yours. I too watch the geese on the river. They actually have creches for their young. The responsibility is given to a few geese to take care of the goslings. I have counted many goslings in some of the creches. Fascinating to watch. Have a good day and take care.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

Yes… there are many dangers for the chicks… but Nature has a way of Survival. I love your poem and the Serenity of gliding on Water. tenderly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Pat. So pleased you enjoyed my poem. Watching the river birds can provide much joy. There are so many varieties. Swans though are my favourites. Looking forward to spending time there again this weekend after a very busy week so far. Have a lovely day.

Chris

[Richard Knox]

Nicely expressed with clear imagery, Chris. We enjoy watching the quail families in our garden as the young mature through the summer.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Richard for the visit and the share. Yes, the quails must be fascinating for you to watch in your garden. A nice way to relax. I appreciate your thoughts. Have a great day.

Chris