The Bird Seen! Poem by Denis Martindale

After a long dry spell and a hot, hot, hot heatwave, the Heavens opened once again. And, boy, did they open! At first, I thought that the pigeons would scatter far and wide and my Nature Study street view would get cut short. Even so, something strange happened that held my attention for another hour.

I looked to my left to check the nearby street and its rooftops. Despite the rain, rain, rain, several pigeons were perched on the Freeview TV rooftop aerials. One, three, three and two. Each pigeon faced the same direction and remained steadfastly motionless for several minutes. I was surprised to see the pigeons joined by five blackbirds. The fourteen birds weathered the storm, and I stared in wonder. About half an hour later, several birds had departed, leaving three pigeons that stayed still until a full hour had flown by.

Finally, every bird flew off to parts unknown. I asked myself why the birds had stayed for so long when there were a few dozen cars they could have walked under to avoid the rain. Why suffer? Why not run for cover? People don't stand or dance in the rain like Gene Kelly risking pneumonia... or at least the dreaded sniffles. It wasn't likely that there would be any cats under the cars either. I've never seen a cat soaking wet after the rain had stopped. So where do the cats go? I must confess. I'm befuddled.


Denis Martindale.30th August 2026.


Here is a puzzle shared by Poemhunter poet Denis Martindale. Just the other day, the poet was taking some time for another Nature Study street view. This wasn't one of the recent sunshine-filled mornings. It was pouring down with rain! He gazed out of his bedroom window at each house and each rooftop. In the nearby street, something odd was unfolding. Nine pigeons perched on the rooftops. Five blackbirds turned up, too. They all faced the same way, and the rain just kept on pouring. One whole hour later, and yet a few of the pigeons were still on the rooftops! Why would they stay in the rain? What would they have to gain! ? I just don't get it!