Little Grebe Poem by Denis Martindale

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The little grebe is not well-known,
Its name is rarely heard,
A classic creature that has flown
Like another other bird.
A fragile thing compared to most,
Not proud as peacocks are,
So not the kind to gloat or boast,
As if it were a star.

It has its place in Nature's plan,
Bedecked in plain attire,
And yet it does what each grebe can,
Though not much to admire.
It flies, it floats, then paddles, too,
As other birds nearby,
Yet does what only grebes can do,
No more than this to try.

Just like a man who has no thought
Of how he could improve,
Who always does the things he ought,
Yet makes no greater move.
Just coasts throughout his long-lived life,
As if a grebe instead,
Avoiding strife and homely wife,
No dreams of getting wed!


Denis Martindale. June 2021.


This small bird poem is about the
magnificent painting Little Grebe by
UK wildlife artist Stephen Gayford.

Find Little Grebe info on rspb---org---uk
A to Z listings for Birds and Wildlife.