Mourning Doves

In the winter pampero's chilling breath,

autumns death rattle resounds over the bare Argentine plains.

Two mourning doves,

huddle on a flat rock,

borrowing the departing sun's, meager heat,

from the cooling stone.

They sway and bob to the winds weeping dirge,

tenderly preening their partner's plumes,

softly stroking,

lightly lifting,

fluffing and fitting

each cream and ashen feather.

Following each gust's, ghostly,

rippling disarrangement,

with untiring perseverance,

they soothingly realign each quill,

smoothing and gently calming

the wavelets of a feathery pool.

They coo, cuddle and caress,

with beaks that touch flittingly,

a teasing recognition

of a lifelong, companionship of intimacy.

With pincer bills,

gently from each others eyes,

they brush the day's dusty debris.

Against the frigid, liquid wind,

contrary to its mates timid, protesting, advise,

in a selfless sacrifice,

from the frigid, icy sting,

one lifts a sheltering, angel's wing,

to shield its companion with a down comforter.

They shiver, pressing ever closer,

that they might hold on a little longer,

sharing warmth, and company,

before the numbing cold of night.

Side by side, tail to head, they hide their fright.

As an Ouroboros, they watch,

that nothing may unwittingly approach.

Although harbingers of peace, they're wary,

for it's often the messenger they bury.

A pair bonded by time and nature's collegiality

lean on each other's amity,

loyal till the end of viability.

Suddenly,

a soul withering cry,

feathers fly,

some to sky,

others to ground.

A lone, mourning, dove

flutters heaven bound.

Author's Note

The pampero is a burst of cold polar air from the west, southwest, or south on the pampas in the south of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia This wind (often violently) picks up during the passage of a cold front of an active low passing by. It takes the form of a squall line and there is a marked drop in temperature after its death. The Pampero is most common in winter in the southern hemisphere
Ouroboros the snake that swallows its tail. The symbol of eternal birth and destruction.

Reviews

[willweb]

What a beautiful but heartbreaking tale of unending companionship. To stand by each other until the very end. Two birds, wonderful doves, huddle together to fight the elements, never giving up and one losing it's life for the other it seems. Wow, powerful images come from this piece,

[Soren]

Dear Will I thank you so much for your review of this lengthy piece. Your comments are deeply appreciated.

[DIVYA]

With pincer bills,
gently from each others eyes,
they brush the day's dusty debris.

Such touching lines, dear Soren. The earth belongs to such innocent creatures and also heaven. May their sufferings and losses be compensated in some part of the universe, some time. I've never read a more moving description of loyalty and devotion than this and it evoked such emotion in me. Its always going to be my favorite from you. You did wonders here.

[Soren]

Thank you so much Divya your words mean a great deal. I deeply appreciate your review and most generous comments.

[DIVYA]

You are most welcome, dear Soren.

[Neville]

This is far more than just a fine poem .. it is an education .. very muchly enjoyed .. Neville :)

[Soren]

Thank you so much Nevile for the review and most kind comments they are deeply appreciated.

[Neville]

You are most welcome, my pleasure entirely :)