Tuesday, March 11, 2008

The Birds of Sycamore Canyon

Another scandal rocks the nation
The New York governor is going down
But here in Sycamore Canyon
The birds don’t hear a sound.
They’re feeding, breeding and singing,
Because spring is in the air,
And every individual bird
Wants to become a pair!
With nests all under construction,
And birds returning by scores,
The birds in Sycamore Canyon
Don’t care about the governor’s mores!

~kathiesbirds (March 11, 2008)

The above poem was inspired by waking up this morning, contemplating turning on the news, then realizing it would just be a media frenzy as they dissected every detail o the life of Governor Spitzer. But when I looked out my window at the birds merrily feeding I realized I don’t have to turn on the tube and listen. I can watch these unconcerned birds instead.

Spring is definitely in the air around here. I was not living here in Sycamore Canyon at this time last year. I’m still getting to know the rhythms of life in this new place. While the turkey vultures are returning, I’m seeing fewer and fewer hummingbirds. I watched birds all day long yesterday and never saw one. The white-winged doves have yet to return, as well as the nighthawks and purple martins. It’ll be interesting to see what other species are purely spring and summer residents here at the base of Mt. Fagan.

I’m heading off to the Phoenix Art Museum with my daughter-in-law Trish today. She is married to my oldest son, G, and they are expecting their first baby in April. Since they live an hour north of me I’ll be spending the night because tomorrow I’m going to start a mural on the wall of the nursery. They both love nature and want to have a nature themed nursery. Since they are both from the east coast, they want an ocean scene. I told them I can do scene they want, but they do realize it will have birds in it! So, you won’t be hearing from me for a few days, but when I come back, I’ll have all kinds of stories to tell!

12 comments:

Mary said...

Love the poem and the perspective :-) Nature rules! Government is a necessary pain, but I don't have to surround myself with images of it.

Unknown said...

I'm sure that you have your own vision of what you want your nature mural to look like, but I thought I'd send this picture of a wall mural with a tree and birds that some parents did for their baby.

I hope that you'll post pics of your mural when you're done!

Mary said...

Writing is your niche, Kathie. I love your poem.

Have a wonderful time with your son and daughter-in-law. Don't forget to take pictures of what you create for them, and more importantly, don't forget to add some shore birds :o)

Anonymous said...

Oh, too funny - and thanks for reminding me how glad I was to be back home from new york before this scandal broke.

Aunt "B's" Backyard said...

You hit the nail on the head with your poem and I agree with Mary, nature rules! Can't wait for Spring to see what you capture!

Pappy said...

Hi Kathie,
I put a picture of a mockingbird on my post just for you this morning. In Britain young women are sometimes referred to as "birds", so I guess the story of the NY governor was loosely related to birding, right?
Enjoyed the poem. Thanks.

Kathryn and Ari said...

Love the poem! I teach journalism and still can't figure out for the life of me what the media is thinking most of the time.

Hope you had a nice time at the museum!

Patrice said...

Kathi, That was truly inspired! I try not to read or watch the news if I can help it, but today everyone at work was in a tizzy about Gov. Spitzer. My mind was back at Mount Rainier. Your poem rings true with me! Have a wonderful time in Phoenix!

Sandpiper (Lin) said...

I love your poem. My sentiments, as well! It's so interesting to read about the seasons and wildlife where you live. So different from here. Have fun with your family!

Anonymous said...

Love the poem. You make an excellent point we do have choices in life. Just because the media puts it out there doesn't mean we need to consume it. One of the wonderful things about birding is that it is a great escape from the often twisted human produced "reality" into nature's reality. I hope all goes well with the coming grandchild and congrats.
Vern

Kathie Brown said...

Mary of Faith, thank you for your encouragement!

MSbaby, I checked out your mural. Thanks for the tip and thanks for visiting my blog. I debated about posting the photos of my progress, but, oh well, I did it. Enjoy.

Mary's View, for me, writing is sure easier than painting! Oh my goodness! If my husband thinks I spend a lot of time blogging, he certainly wouldn't want me to be a full time artist! Glad you like the poem. And you bet I added shore birds. I put in 2 kinds of terns and some sanderlings. I may not be done even yet!

Wren, hello! Glad you got out of dodge in time!

Aunt B, I hope nature rules for a long time to come. I'll capture some spring photos here soon!

Tex, that's a stretch but I'll take it! Glad you liked the poem. I'll go look at that mockingbird now!

Kathryn and Ari, I'm glad to hear that from a pro. I hate the feeding frenzy when there's fresh blood in the water.

Patrice, you honor me. I am humbled. Thank you.

Sandpiper, it is so different from CT but I love it, though frequently my sensibilites are turned on their head with all the change!

Vern, thanks for the affirmation.

Larry said...

Maybe the birds where you live don't care but the ones around here are obviously upset over this whole spitzer Scandal.-I like the way you come up with poems on the spot.