A butcherbird called in the warm even air
From a silky oak apex behind a closed store,
It sang with a clarity and honest sincerity
Heralding days ending all over the Ridge,
As prospectors tired, trudged back to their digs
To dream neath nights opalescent spinning blanket,
A few stark silken verses tipped into smooth silence
And quiescence resumed belying appearance,
A message uncertain, black and white and replete
As if to a ghost town returned to the heat.
A butcher bird silent, flew it away
Over the high street of time drained resources.
Danny Draper 18/1/2014
Charming recollection of a butcher bird that gave you a theme for a poem at Lightning Ridge, had the same myself in the red centre, thanks for sharing...regards
It sang with a clarity and honest sincerity. May be the human society should learn it. i liked the poem much.
Well I've learnt something today. I had to look up, Butcherbird and Lightning Ridge being a Pommy heh heh. The Butcherbird is a sweet little bird as is this poem.
The beauty of the Australian outback is most certainly amazing as I have travelled the NT & WA yet not NSW. I have not seen the Butcher bird yet can imagine the excitement of seeing this bird. Lovely write and great advertising for Aust.
Fabulous wording and phrasing here. Esp admired the blanket simile like. Dark awesome!
Never heard of the butcher bird, but as a bird lover I am sure he is beautiful. Great poem Danny.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
very good writing, I like it, thanks.