birdsong

February 24, 2013 Image

a quiet smile
on awakening
bloomed into
a full blown grin
as I stepped outside
on the sidewalk
time to walk the dog
the sunshine was brighter
the blue sky exquisite
birdsong filled the air
no wind was gusting
stillness all around
quiet morning walk time
and then…
a sparkle of glitter underfoot
as sunlight hit the snow
oh, how lovely
fairy tale divine
I didn’t feel the cold
thankful for my winter coat
barefoot in my snow boots
so what if it was 15
feels like 8
I truly didn’t notice
some days hold a l’il magic
this feels like one o’them
I’m smiling quietly
in anticipation

February 24, 2013
Written while sitting in my favorite love seat spot, with my legs curled to the side, wrapped in my super soft, pale blue robe, a few shades lighter than the sky. My sweet dog, Blue, fell back asleep too, he’s curled in a ball like a Fennec Fox (we saw them at the zoo, long, long ago).

June 27, 2012 Image

Outside again. Fourth time since 4:30am. Love the sunshine on my face and birdsong. Crazy woofing dog didn’t need to go, he found a stick and plopped in the shade to chew. “Stress?! What stress?!”, says Blue as he grins at me with his tongue lollying out one side of his mouth, looking crooked and quite hilarious. Sometimes I give in, and lie in the shade next to him in the grass and look up at the sky through a canopy of leaves. A Dog’s Eye View. He’s a smart pup, my Blue.

June 12, 2012 Image

I awoke to a “WOOF” at 4:20 a.m.
just as well since I was dreaming of pot roast
that’s a new one
diet induced dreaming
out we went
the sweet pup and I
in again for his breakfast
and mine
pot roast dreams long gone
filled instead with healthy cereal
sorta sated anyway
another “WOOF”
well, bowls are portable
out we go once more
this is my first birdsong breakfast
eaten in the open air
perched on the edge of the deck
by the stairs
the sky is moonlight blue
with a not quite half
not quite crescent moon
still hanging in the sky
the horizon begins to glow
in warm shades of gold
as the dog and I go in
once more
it’s time for coffee

June 12, 2012
it’s now 5:00 a.m.

June 6, 2012 Image

up since 5:00
one cup o’coffee down
a bowl of cereal too
almost 6:30 now
as I laugh and throw the ball for Blue
his appointment is at 8:30
that wonderful husband of mine
for 15 years and counting
20 years together in July
friends before that
today we find out
if the chemo has worked
or if the cancer has spread
yet here I am
playing with the dog
his dog
the one he’s always wanted
trying to keep the worries and fear at bay
until we know what the doctor has to say
other than THAT
it’s a beautiful morning
crisp early a.m. air
birdsong from the treetops
not much traffic noise
less than two hours to go
and then we’ll know
what’s next

June 6, 2012

May 31, 2012

a quiet house

I hear birdsong from the front yard

and rain sounds from the back

the quiet whir of the ceiling fan above

with a napping dog on the floor

the silver keys are tapping

beneath my flying fingertips

I’m still in pajamas 

even though it’s well past lunch

ah, yes, my favorite kind of day

breathe in

breathe out

just drinking in

the sounds of a quiet house

for the children

are with their Papa

May 28, 2012 Image

there is a crow
I just now spied
heckling the dog and I
with cawing
that never ends
I much prefer
early morning silence
other than the jingling
from my pup’s collar
caw caw caw
on a repetitive loop
I didn’t
get out of bed
for this
woof
awoke me
from a bizarre dream
in full color
a jumble of images
and me
in a place
I didn’t want to be
awake is better
even if it’s early
even if the crow
needs to stop
and fly away now
my eyes gritty
from tears cried
yesterday
ahhhhhhh
some actual birdsong
bye bye Mr. Crow
I didn’t even
resort to violence
though I considered
my options
he must have realized
not to mess with me
as I have no patience
for cawing
that never ends

May 28, 2012
written somewhere in the 5 o’clock a.m. hour
damn crow

May 25, 2012 Image

I find it fascinating that the sky can be bright blue with puffy clouds behind me, and pale blue with wisps of clouds, including some gray ones ahead. I’m facing East toward the sunrise. My sweet pup was up at 4:30 a.m. I wanted the rest if my family to sleep a little longer. We’ve been enjoying a variety of birdsong in the backyard. It’s 6:00 a.m. now. Blue’s had his breakfast. I’m ready for mine. Coffee is a necessity today. May 25, 2012 is the first day of Summer Vacation, my niece’s second birthday and one year to the day since my husband’s diagnosis. The day life changed. ~ Janean

March 17, 2012 Image

I find myself backyard sitting
as the sun comes up
happily in my pajamas
stick chewing dog
at my feet
we were also out at 5:00a.m.
when the sky was still full dark
and the crescent moon
smiled a crooked grin
the birds are serenading us
singing the song of spring
while the daffodils bloom
swaying to the birdsong
and the gentlest of breeze
mmmmmmm, Saturday
so glad you’re here

March 9, 2012 Image

sing your song
with a tweet, tweet, tweet
and may it be
sweet, sweet, sweet
pleasing to the eyes and ears
as you share your heart
without any fears

sing your song
like the peaceful dove
coo, coo, coo
trilling from a perch above

sing your song
like the robin true
chirp, chirp, chirp
a sign of spring anew

sing like a cardinal male
so bold and strong
with a lighthearted lilt
to your song

try not to be a crow
CAW, CAW, CAW
from the treetops
about all YOU know

sing your song
like the smallest sparrow
peep, peep, peep
perched on wire narrow

sing your song
alongside birds of a feather
as you find one another
and sing together

My paternal grandmother was an avid bird watcher. My grandfather her ever faithful chauffeur. She kept her eyes peeled for first time sightings as she traveled the world. She also savored the visits from feathered friends to the feeders she kept filled at home. I notice the birds and their songs more, now that I’m spending so much time outdoors with the puppy. I’m thankful for that time spent under the sky above. It’s thinking time. Pondering time. Drink in the world time. Puppy playtime too. Recently there were five robins a bit surprised when Blue barreled around the corner, into his yard, and woofed them over to the neighbors.