By Barbara Dunham
Pensacola Branch
It is below zero. The scene outside the window a hub of activity.
First one, now three, then six, wee birds at the feeder.
Hungry and happy to find nourishment in the cold winter landscape.
The ground below is scattered with dropped bits creating a second feast.
I don’t know how they survive, so small, in a cold so large.
One bird’s wing touches the snow, he stands on just one foot.
Is he hurt? Then he raises the wing, lowers the withdrawn foot.
He raises the other foot into his breast for warmth.
Continuing to feed, he warms first one foot then the other
using the opposite wing for balance.
This scene plays out again and again to my delight.
Nature astonishes once more.
I love this poem as it really captures the astonishment as she wrote of nature.
Barbara, I’m so glad you witnessed this little bird’s strategy and shared it in your poem. Nature is indeed astonishing and delightful as your poem shows!
This poem reminds us of how we can take comfort in the knowledge that those who are “so small” survive a “cold so large”.
My thanks to all our Pen Women who enjoy and comment on our featured poems. My keyboarding has been limited lately, due to a fracture effecting my right arm, but I’m back to one hundred percent now, and I will be leaving comments on the wonder-filled poems we share with you in this space.
Claire Massey, NLAPW Poetry Editor
I love how you connected the imagery of bird behavior and how it relates to life lessons. Good descriptive imagery.
Lovely Poem!
You have shown both delight in and sympathy for the birds, a wonderful combination. I especially like “so small, in a cold so large.” I know you have captured many readers’ feelings in this very nicely detailed poem.
You brought me into the scene. Thank you
Love the close observance of the bird with his legs!
Love the closing line. If we look closely nature surprises us every day.
Love your poem! Hope you are doing well in the cold! It’s cold in Asheville as well… 29 this morning! I know, I know it’s warm here compared to where you are! I still don’t like it!
Neither does my Pug, Molly. Although she was born in Waynesville NC. Sending greetings for a happy 2025!
Mara