A Dirge Like Birdsong

There’s pouncing and there’s prancing
in birthday suits I mean, of the lot
taking delight in spring.

Strut and stride egg-laying creatures
boasting youth and growth
only wicked wildlings understand.

It’s a celebration of things born anew.
New life in a new year for a living
full of fun and cheer!

Old bird too old to play complains
of injustice. Young chicks
fend for themselves

Whilst, a predator prepares a feast.
Band of skulls continues to play
music lights up the party.

Delight! Lament not the ills.
It’s the circle of life, and birth gifts
abundant as the year begins.

Orange Lilies – Passion for life
Khaya Ronkainen
Khaya Ronkainen is a writer, poet and creative professional. Her blog focuses on all things poetry and creative nonfiction.

30 Comments

  1. You carried the imagery quite well throughout the whole poem and did a great job with the blending of celebration and mourning themes. Quite clever!

  2. Strut and stride egg-laying creatures
    boasting youth and growth
    only wicked wildlings understand.

    Beautiful lines 😀

  3. Love the story of the circle of life you just told here. Old bird should remember she was once young and not leave little chicks to prey.

  4. I just adore what you’ve done with imagery and sound. And the contrast between the happiness of youth and the grumpiness of growing old dances so well within your poem. Those old birds should know better… but I suspect that the young will put a shine in their shrinking ancient hearts! ♥

  5. Phew! I did sweat a bit trying to combine celebration and mourning. I’m super pleased that it translated well. Thank you for your motivating comment Rommy:)

  6. When you can actually see something in your head and feel emotions, that is good writing! Love it! P

  7. BTW, I’m having problems commenting on your blog. Unfortunately I’m not on Facebook. Love your image and birthday dirge for a fierce poet!

  8. Ah, a happy dance! I’m glad you managed to pair happiness and youth, and the grumpiness of the old bird:). I must say this dirge was a challenge (yeah don’t remind me), it gave me lots of work trying to tie the celebration and mourning. Birthday girl demands!

  9. Oh dear Jacque thank you for reading and that you could connect with the story. The old bird I agree needs her dancing shoes on:)

  10. Captivate! A word that makes me happy. Of prancing, have you ever saw grouse birds dance? I’ve tried every spring without success to capture the act. It’s fascinating. Thank you for reading Raili:)

  11. I thoroughly enjoyed this piece Khaya!! I chucked at the old bird, imagining it being me then I thought nah, that’s my mother 😉 Pretty photo too!!

  12. Yay Steph! I’m so happy you managed to comment, I hope the error is now permanently fixed. Thank you so much for taking time to read, and I’m glad you enjoyed this poem. BTW, old birds have admirable qualities. Think of the fierce and wise old owl:)

  13. What a beautiful blending of celebration and woe, and as a bird lover this just speaks to me so much. Well done!

  14. Thank you so much Sarah, I appreciate you reading. Always lovely to meet another bird lover; isn’t spring just a celebratory season!

  15. *is dancing to a band of skulls* 😀 XXX

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