Square Deal

Square Deal/........By Sami Khalil

The story of the Barnyard Bird.

They dived into harbinger dreams of the warm clime, while nestling seamlessly a lush, green barnyard copse all summer. A large flock of birds were ready to make the journey(pilgrimage), veering south, for they knew that birds that flock together, thrive together.

Between paws and hoofs, the braying of donkeys was a cause of discomfort to public domains, as gazing cows were chewing gently their culinary cud. Horses neighed in the distance, swishing their tails, while frolicking around the pasture, blanketed by sunrise hues.

Farmers were tending their haylofts, as the sibilant sound of the wind chimed in uncertain tuning.

Ants came marching as always, urged on by dreams of storing harvest for the rainy days. As for the rooster, full of pride and vanity, unanimously the valiant messenger, left petulant holes to non-early risers of blue yonder and hesitations.

We know that seasons change behaviors except for this hard-headed bird (rebellious I might say) who, for short of wisdom, decided to remain behind and not fly off according to plan with his peers. He wanted to stay in the exotic comfort zone (the exotic barnyard) and enjoy all what it has to offer. Winter came fast like a thief, dim cold and bleak, and the weighty snow started falling.

This bird’s plight wilted his hopes of any survival plan and the way of his death was imminent, frozen in a shield of hoarfrost, laying upon the flaxen grasses.

A wayward, hungry cat came along and feasted on him. Had he listened, it would have been a lifesaver. Had he joined the survival scheme, he would have been successful.

 

No footprints mar the blindfolded birthing

When foolishness sully an ushered wisdom

Together we thrive onslaughts of survival

With weary pent, dreadfulness unearthing

 

Reviews

[barleygirl]

It feels like your story is meant to convey a lesson, but I'm not sure which lesson my mind will finally land on, after I ponder your imagery awhile. I love the way you include lots of critters, each with a nicely complete description of personality, bringing these creatures to life as much as painting them with details. It's hard to decide, sometimes, whether to stay on & endure the cold . . . or maybe we should just flyyyyy . . . *sigh!* Thanks for the thought-provoking tale (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Sami Khalil]

The choices are many, far and in between for us all to make in life and reality. Many lessons are included in this short story. Thank you so much barleygirl for all.

[Neville]

What a tale you have told here Sami, crammed to overflowing with images that depict quintessential rural life. Living with nature and being aware of it is so very important today and will become even more so to our children’s children. As always superbly composed…. All Good Things, Neville

[Sami Khalil]

Thank you so much beloved poet and friend for this wonderful review and appreciation. All good things.

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Sami ... only in the country can you learn the true meaning of survival. The art with your poem is lovely, and survival is poetry in motion. truly, Pat

[Sami Khalil]

Whoa. A marvelous take on this poem and its message. Sharp as ever.

[Patricia Wedel]

Sami, you are a gentleman and a scholar ...
Bravo...

[Sami Khalil]

:::::;))))))

[Patricia Wedel]

*******))))))

[Bare trees]

I found this to be very interesting. The bird overwhelmed...the many animals...makes me think of the ark with a different outcome. Intriguing....

[Sami Khalil]

Whoa. Thank you so much Bare Trees for this fruitful review and kind words. Very unique interpretation.

[Karen Redburn]

There are so many layers to this poem it is almost mind boggling. The farm, a symbol of the past, the bird refusing to leave with the rest, a symbol of the wayward youth and/or humanities inability to move forward quickly enough to keep up with nature. I thoroughly enjoyed this read. Thank you!

[Sami Khalil]

Many layers and many important messages all wrapped up here together. I like your take and your perspective too. Thank you so much for all.

[Linda alexander]

Adaptations and survival skills are for continuity of life journey. If mankind won't shape to these they may have to ship out from this world to heaven or hell. Nature migrate and animals adapt. The kings of the living things just fool around and perish like the bird who stayed at the yard. Perils and suffering might been in the migration and few might not reach destiny and very may be more miserable than they were prior. The common truth is majority of the migrated flock survived.

[Sami Khalil]

Whoa. You are few of the wise and greats on here who see the reality of things and peel the layers . All true and to the message. Thank you so much beloved poet for all.

[Jimmy Yetts]

Amongst earthy beauty and natural harmony, death strikes--whether precipitated by the victim's poor judgement or of its being in the wrong place at the right time.
Work of a very high order!

[Sami Khalil]

So true and well articulated. You have graced us by your wisdom and grabbed us by your kindness. Thank you tremendously.

[Rubick]

Fluently thoughtful. Symbolic in essence. There's a kind of harmony unique in itself. The somewhat poetic end also reminded me of the Classical English works of Drama. I like this!

[Sami Khalil]

Many and many thank yours dear poet for taking the time and effort. So glad to hear your thoughts. Be blessed.

[Josie E. Cook M. A.]

Lovely images of country life and what it brings to our world!
This pairing is wonderful and full of life with the senses engaged in the scenery of it,
and your message is full of thoughts on your subject matter
so much, goes away over time.

[Sami Khalil]

Whoa. Thank you so much beloved poet and friend for this wonderful review and appreciation. You are appreciated.

[Ruth]

Although I felt empathy for the bird, you graced this story with wisdom and moral Sami...beautiful images to accompany and a message that shall remain in the ripples of time :)

[Sami Khalil]

I'm so relieved to see you and for gracing this site. As always, you bring hope and joy to all. Thank you so much, Poppy.

[Ruth]

My pleasure Sami and always nice to read you :)

[Sami Khalil]

::::::)))))