Hi Tweeters;
Inside of me there is not only a book (that am presently writing and
illustrating for children about birds that live at 'my' pond) but a
poem that I want share with you now:

Bird Magic

Under the knarred branches
Of an ancient apple tree
Standing on the edge
Of hidden pool I see
Into the lives of brilliant birds
That blend with dappled light
By my shoulder one is perching
Oh what a thrilling sight!
On his face a black mask wearing
Above his yellow breast
Nearby she is watching
While caring for the nest
Head back he whistles his tune
Witchety witchety witchety
Love season in bloom

And near my feet two red birds
Bathe and splash and play
Saving more serious cares
For yet another day
And on the tree behind me
A sapsucker drilling wells
Getting all the holes ready
For little fledgling bills
Distant sounds of cooing
Soft sounds soothing
Love-making in the branches above
And in the brambles beside me
A loud burst of song
He simply can?t help it
He?s a Song sparrow you know

And in shadowy reeds downstream
A glimpse of soft golden down
A little duckling chasing
After an insect he found
Mama always ready
With keen watchful eye
Feigning a broken wing
If prey attacks nearby
Giving herself as sacrifice
What more can she give?
Isn't that the way humans should live?
Now worldly cares have left me
Worry and anger and pain
And in the space only beauty and joy
Is all that my heart retains?

Copyright Joy Stickney-Markgraf
May 2005

near White Salmon WA
email: joymarkgraf at gorge.net

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