There they were
Up there!
East West North South
Four birds on the roof
Holding my world together
One frayed afternoon
LIKE ANGELS (Tanka version, dedicated to Nora Olmedo)
There they were, up there
East West North South, like sentries
silent, on the roof
Holding my world together
Four birds, one frayed afternoon
* Tanka version was written after reading Obinna's comment
Holding your word in all the four directions; like God send Angels, a very nice poem with a metaphysical vision between the lines!
nice observation...nice words...nicer presentation...thanks Sonya...10
I would rather say that the birds are doves, after all they represent peace and the Holy Spirit. More like peace in your life is secured by God's angels. Beautiful!
Obinna, they were actually pigeons, just ordinary pigeons.. but they could as well have been angels (wearing dark sentry uniforms...?)
Both are very well-crafted, beautiful images. I guess I prefer the tanka by a little, because it gives it more context, it sets up a certain expectation that it certainly delivers. Now I'm going to have to get acquainted with Nora Olmeda's work.
Sonya, I love both versions of your delicate write. I agree with Sandra, the original one takes me a bit 'higher' in its expression. A beautiful birdy poem, thanks for sharing :) Yelena M.
Both versions are nice Sonya, but I prefer the Tanka one....perhaps because I like the discipline of the syllable count and besides as Karin says it helps add to the meaning of the piece.....Nice tribute to Nora's poetic prowess...10+
Lovely to see your dedication to a fine poet Nora Olmedo. I prefer the Tanka Version as I feel the syllable count of Tanka gives the poem more substance and credence. However, if they were mine, I would be proud of them both Sonya. 10 love Karin
Hmmm, I like the spontanaeity of the first version, as if written in the moment. The second version feels more reflective. Again, great to see the same subject presented in different way - thanks Sonya.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
I know this feeling well. Just glad the birds were on guard duty. Pigeons, maybe? (smile) On Sundays, I like to say that the pigeons are in church (up on top all the roofs) .