DEPARTURE.

Fay Slimm.

 

 

Departure.

 

Wind riffling thru' rubber fabric galvanized
my rueful intent and when clouds

gathered en masse about pewter-tint light
to hunker in thickly
I knew then
it was time to leave distant sulking horizon

so I was resigned.

 

Breathing last intakes of gathering geese
for distant roosts
and hearing sharp hooting yaps in nearby
formations
I picked up flapping thrum of wing beats
for the very last time

and waved reluctant goodbye.

 

Weight of bird departure felt wetly blatant
so I, with bent head,

asked for God to bless feathered migration
with dry-weathered success.

  • Author: Fay Slimm. (Offline Offline)
  • Published: April 12th, 2019 02:32
  • Comment from author about the poem: Witnessed a while ago but still fresh in my mind.
  • Category: Unclassified
  • Views: 79
  • User favorite of this poem: whisperingquill.
Get a free collection of Classic Poetry ↓

Receive the ebook in seconds 50 poems from 50 different authors


Comments10

  • Goldfinch60

    May those birds be forever in your soul Fay. Great write.

    • Fay Slimm.

      Dear Goldy - - I am sure they will always remain in my core.......... thank you my friend

    • orchidee

      Good write Fay. I saw a whole load of pigeons taking off together recently.

      • Fay Slimm.

        There are a flock of pigeons near me and when I see them I think of WW1 when they were sent to FRance and back with messages attached to their legs,

      • Michael Edwards

        I can see them and hear them - fine write dear Fay

        • Fay Slimm.

          A wonderful experience Mike to be in their midst whether coming or going....... thanks for your comment so imaginatively put.

        • moordykspot2

          Lovely words my friend superbly phrased. Emotions fully understood thankyou

          • Fay Slimm.

            How kind your comment and so generously put - - so glad you enjoyed the read my friend.

          • Poetic Dan

            Brilliantly done, enjoyed reading while listening to them in the sun. As if they was thanking you too!

            • Fay Slimm.

              Ah - - all birds are a gift in so many ways Dan - - pleased you live somewhere to hear and see them.

            • Neville

              This is so darn good, it makes one want to fly.... very atmospheric and with more than fifty shades of grey springing to mind as I watch and take stock of those pewter skies where skeins do fly.... I was reminded of Daphne Du Maurier's Rebecca and her mackerel sky... Neville

              • Fay Slimm.

                Such a generous comment which will do nicely my friend........ fifty shades of grey eh ?? - (I dont remember that phrase used in Rebecca ) - - ha ha - a flock of thanks flying your way. Nev.
                - - - gratefully ........... Fay.

                • Neville

                  I do believe your write.. and tis my pleasure entirely Fay...

                • dusk arising

                  A part of life's cycle, leaving leadened skies and sulking horizon with the inbuilt knowledge of better times awaiting at journeys end. Though saddening for our winters heart and regretful thoughts that we may never see them again.

                  But they are back Fay, any day now they'll be here to light the days and squawk at your dawn's delight.

                  I for one look forward to reading about that from you.

                  • Fay Slimm.

                    Loud applause for this needed reminder D.A. that the flocks will be back same as before - poets look forward to that and stand in awe to think how far some have flown without ceasing.

                  • Suresh

                    Beautifully imprinting your words to go with the image.

                    • Fay Slimm.

                      Thank you Suresh - - glad you enjoyed the read.

                    • ANGELA & BRIAN

                      THANKS FAY ~ Love the picture ~ very nostalgic of Birds in Flight ! Migrating Birdsare a lovely sight for those priviledged to live on the Coast ~ and an equally lovely Poem ! I saw many Sea Birds on my trip to the S E Coast but not many migrating ~ except the Migrating SAND MARTINS from AFRICA ~ whose nesting holes were covered by netting ~ now removed !
                      Your poem describles elegantly the nostalgia of the THE LAST GLIMPSE of the departing GEESE ~ AMEN. Thanks for sharing
                      Blessings & Peace in the Spirit
                      Love BRIAN & ANGELA (5:30am still in Bed !) 🧡🧡🧡🧡

                      • Fay Slimm.

                        Imagine the total frustration of birds who have flown so far to find netting over their holes and nowhere to go -- - a difficult problem is coastal erosion but am glad that netting was removed in time. Hugs to you both along with my thanks.

                      • MendedFences27

                        "Departure," flocks of birds leaving to migrate to better surroundings. It's enough to make one jealous of their freedom. Your poem conveys concern and appreciation of our feathered friends. I liked "flapping thrum of wing beats." It captured the sensation to a "T." Lovely poem Fay. - Phil A.

                        • Fay Slimm.

                          Ah - thank you so much for this lovely comment Phil -- so pleased you enjoyed the read and yes the freedom of birds to travel so many miles by instinctive choice is enough to make us a weeny bit envious at times....... migration is one of the wonders of nature.



                        To be able to comment and rate this poem, you must be registered. Register here or if you are already registered, login here.