Once Upon a Morning Dreary

If you're anticipating that you might find something a little E.A. Poe-ish here... you're correct. I began writing this poem first, last Friday, but ended up using the one I posted. I've just received enough encouragement to publish this poe-m, too. ;-) No, it's not a direct copy of Edgar Allen Poe's 'The Raven.' However, it did provide a model for my attempt at humor.

I hope you enjoy this. I did write it, and as silly as it is, just enjoy and leave it here.

Once Upon a Morning Dreary

Once upon a morning dreary, as I photo-ed birds more clearly,

Over the white and drifted snow, I watched them struggle in the windy blow.

While I stared, quite innocently, suddenly the wind blew intently,

The wintry fowl approached the feeder, approaching afore my window here,

“They’re only hungry,” that I murmured, “flapping near my window here;

Only this and nothing more.”

As I gazed out at that feeder, amazed and wondering, ever peering,

Watching birds dart here and there, intrigued as I’d never been before,

To the feeder they came chirping, anticipating their next meal,

chirping - chipping; to the birdbath, sipping – sipping, never tipping,

Then I whispered as I snapped my photos, “I could do this evermore!”

Only this, “Forever more!”

As I turned round in that kitchen, to my breakfast business be,

Preparing my meal for the morning, a feeling came quite suddenly.

A yearning – yes, such a yearning, quite stronger even than before -

I found myself so quickly turning – quickly, yes! So I could see

There was a figure – Oh! and different. Large and cunningly stood he,

He stood alone, no-one more.

Opening here, I raised the curtain, so this figure I’d clearly see,

Standing midst where the rest had been, he’d surely cleared the yard and more.

A Sharp-shinned Hawk stood there, perching, standing ever confidently

Turned his sharp eye here and there, resting gaze on the empty store.

He perched serenely, ever watchful, while I standing on kitchen floor.

He turned his gaze on nothing more.

As I peeked out through the window, my mutter turned into a roar,

“The nerve of him! I know he’s hungry. But did he have to scare MY birds?”

Here I confess my own despondence as ineptly I took that chore,

but his presence in my garden brought to my mind some threatening words,

“Hey, you bird! Get out of my garden!” as an echo again repeated my roar,

And left me wondering - what’s in store?

Slowly turning round he gazed, with steely eyes so very clear,

He thought he’d won but my upturned hand showed there was more!

He saw my weapon – my frying pan! His exit now was near…

I opened the window in preparation - his gaze right through me tore.

So he left, wings lifted skyward, causing him to quickly soar,

Yes, dear friends, I won the battle, but quite clearly he had won the war.

Quite honestly, I haven't seen a sharp-shinned hawk here in a couple of years. However, his visit did result in a front yard devoid of any other living creature. After he finally flew away, the Winter birds did not return for quite some time.

by Shady Gardener

Someone's Taken Residence...

I've discovered evidence
that someone's taken residence
in my yard.

Ignoring them completely,
even if discretely,
will be hard.

This may be a conundrum,
surmising where they've come from
to my yard.

So if you happen to see them,
(assuming you'll not be them),
Here's my "card!"

I took the above photo from a doormat company site. Should you want to purchase it, the photo provides the link. I've never used this site. I know nothing about it. So, in other words I'm not recommending you try it... nor am I recommending you not try it.
I just didn't want to be "shady" (meaning underhanded).
SG

The Continued Saga in the Raised Beds...

She heard a cough and turned her head.
Perhaps she should have stopped, instead.
His voice was very soft and low,
His words? "You know I soon must go...



Fall is coming; Winter's cold I dread,
I thank you for the board and bread..."
Long and drawn-out, a silence ensued,
and then she completely became unglued!



"Please don't, I beg..." 'twas next he said,
as he humbly stood and bowed his head.
"Perhaps," she said, "it is my heart..."
then she proceeded to fall apart!

Now, of course... I should have ended here... but, no. I don't always know when to quit! ;-)

So, here's a little more...

"Perhaps, again... as I travel next year...
Do you think I might... be welcomed here?"
She looked at him, with downcast eye,
and said, "As surely as Winter snow doth fly!"


(So far, so good...)


He smiled at her quite tenderly
And he could quite, and plainly, see
That while it was she that couldn't go...
She would certainly need help to avoid Winter's snow!


(or)


He smiled at her quite tenderly
And he could quite, and plainly, see
That while she seemed to care so much,
She was going to need Shady Gardener's touch!


(or)


He smiled at her quite tenderly;
Tho' he could quite, and plainly, see
that perhaps her temperament he might pardon...
Was there really room for two in this garden?


(or...)


Do you have a suggestion?

:-)

Have fun!
Shady G.

Perhaps you missed out on the original post? Click here.

Just a Moment...

A Right Moment in Time


Susan spied him the moment he entered

he stood at the far eastern end.

She shyly cast glances upon him

wondering what was he was there to attend.

His expression was woefully sullen

as though he had come to ‘the end…’

She wondered and wondered about him.

Might he she entreat as a friend?

He was pitifully dressed and downtrodden;

his clothes sorely needed a mend.

She’d never used thread or a needle,

Inept, she could clearly not mend.

It was then that she fondly remembered

attire that perhaps she might wend

from a closet way down in the basement.

Would he his pride or his honor defend?

Oh, whether or not she could find them,

Oh, whether or not she might lend,

Oh, whether or not they would fit him,

On which matter would this finally depend?

She found them, she tried them, they fit.

He accepted them, they’re on the right track!

Susan’s generosity has given new meaning

to “giving the shirt off one’s back!”

Slightly silly, perhaps slightly "Shady," and we're still in the garden! ;-)
Have a nice evening!

Yes, this was written by "Yours truly." Just enjoy it. You really shouldn't copy it.