Spring comes late to Maine, but it’s arrived and it’s been SO distracting! The birds are an absolute menace when it comes to getting anything done. Every day it seems like there’s someone new visiting the yard or the feeders. They’re all flashing their colors and singing their songs, and generally putting on a riveting show. Right outside the window! How can I ignore that!? I’m constantly pulled away from inside activities and lured outside to listen and watch all the activity. I’m a willing victim, but it does take a toll on my so-called productivity.

Here are a few of the more exciting recent visitors (clockwise from top left: Baltimore Oriole, Chestnut Warbler, Brown Thrasher, American Redstart, Northern Parula):

The catbirds have been back for weeks now. I’m so fond of them and look forward to their return every year. They’re not exotic or unusual, but I love their jaunty black caps and the sheer exuberance and volume of their various calls. As I was watching and listening to them this morning, I dimly recalled that I’d written about a poem about them before, but I wasn’t sure if I’d shared it. I searched about a bit, and it turns out I had not, so here it is, still in search of a title:

(untitled for now)

How I wish for the grace
and patience of the Great Egret,
sheer, sinuous focus poised
above still waters.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird’s speed
and iridescent flash and dash
exceed my reach,
as do the sassy tilt of thrush’s tail
and its ethereal song.

But oh, the catbird!
Dull grey with somber black cap,
drawn to the orange,
sliced and waiting at the feeder…
This, I think, I can do-
chatter, mew and rasp
find sweetness in my path
and once in a great while,
surprising even myself,
release a torrent
of pure liquid melody.

©Molly Hogan

This week’s Poetry Friday Roundup is hosted by Patricia Franz at her blog, Reverie.