Soubrette

For the mockingbird who sang down our chimney

I flex white striped wings near where the children play,
Where the woman fights white sheets in the breeze of a sunny day.

     It makes me crazy to feel
          like a volcano full of songs to spill.
     I dance, quite insane from seeking love,
          from hiding,
     denying I’m here
          among the dandelions
          and blackbirds
     who never learn a clever tune,
          Only the ‘caw’, an easy trill to imitate.
               A simple squawk to sing.

I, the springtime pet, the mockingbird, their "Soubrette",
Prefer to sing ten full measures of pure melody
Down the chimney of this human family
     who offers me breadcrumbs
          each day, for my perfect, silver recitals
               that echo through their rooms.

Reviews

[Barry S. Maltese]

Nice work. I often wonder what goes on in the head of some animals. My dog sits there and looks at me and I ask myself if they could talk, what would they say?! This is a nice piece about what goes on in the mind of that little bird as they go on in life, singing their little heart out. Nicely done.

[David P. Eckert]

Mockingbirds have been my favorite for a long time - their melodies, switching from one bird song to the next, are a spirit-lifter. I've even had one nest in an evergreen shrub. A wonderful creature for a tribute. Nicely done.

One suggestion on line 1 - if you change "near where the children play" to "near children at play" the rhythm is a little smoother.

David

[Crap!]

Love the Mockingbird theme. This was a delightful read. Beautiful!

[Helen Woodward]

Why the caged bird sings? This is pure and simply one of the best pieces I've ever read Mimi xx
You out-wrote even yourself and that's saying something. Mostly people differ in their interpretation of the written word and I guess age difference has a lot to do with that, also life experience, but you can take it from me...this is the best. Gentle in its rolling way, yet strong in its message...sublime (not a word I use often)
Love it !!!!!
Helen xxx

[Tawny O'hara]

What a beautiful tribute. I enjoy the 24 hour recitals out here in the high deserts of New Mexico. In the mornings are the medow larks and various other birds I do not know. (we have over 350 different species of birds here.) I hear that sound of a raven following the scent of the past night's kill. the hawks that soars the skys with their unexpected high shreek and at night the sound of the owls, barn owls, burrowing owls and one huge white owl that hangs around here. And always the calling of the coyotes, getting a pack together to hunt. And then calling good nights to each other as they go thier seperate ways in the early morning hours.good poem and lovely read. Thank you

[L.P. Hawkins]

I've read and re-read this and can take this with three meanings.
The first one is completely literal: A mockingbird flitting around a family. Pent-up with song, it releases it's energetic melodies for gladly-given food.
The second view is Ebby's.
And the third is much different, but I shall keep that as my own to ponder for now....especially since it's the most far-fetched.

This is a beautiful poem, regardless of the meaning one can take. Thank you for sharing this. :)

[Ebby]

You disguise so well with your feathery detail. This, Mimi, sister, is the actual poem:

It makes me crazy to feel
like a volcano full of songs to spill.
I dance, quite insane from seeking love,
from hiding,
denying I�m here
among the dandelions


Outstandingly written.
A short review, as it's into my favourites.
Kindest regards. :)

[Bubo]

So vivid, reminds me of my fox that visits quite a bit and lies on my decking as we watch each other and I give him water...........your mockingbird is as real, your words bringing to life a voice.......

Prefer to sing ten full measures of pure melody
Down the chimney of this human family
who offers me breadcrumbs

I loved the whole last stanza, the imagary of this wonderful setting.

[Being.john.sweet~The Ev..]

this is an enchanting perspective, and I always enjoy this style: I, the springtime pet, the mockingbird, their "Soubrette", perfect! thank you so much for sharing this piece...john