Autumns light - haiku

 

light begins and ends

sooner each day as Autumn

falls into season

Jay of blue

The family began its visit early July,

mum with four young ones

landing daily to feed and drink,

the young played as the young do.

This troop of feathered regal colours,

white, grey, royal blue, and black.

Blue Jays, loud and proud

welcomed visitors to the Pond.

Mid July one began to lag behind.

When his siblings flew off, he remained.

Spending his days and nights

sheltered under furniture in solitude.

Seed and water were offered daily,

which he shared with doves and squirrels.

His kin never returned, perhaps they knew.

Yet he shouldn’t have been left alone.

His last day was spent in a haze

surrounded by doves, giving him peace.

When he passed birds, squirrels, chipmunks

keened his loss. It was a sad day.

His grave was dug amongst yews

and was gently laid to rest covered

with blossoms of daisies and hosta’s.

All sounds and songs ceased.

Ever since his final day, the family has returned.

Slowly one by one, I wonder if they seek him,

but I still ask where were you when he needed you?

As it is with humans, you are loved or not.

Gary Glitter

 While cleaning a planter filled with Strawberry Mint this wee creature hopped onto me arm.

Sending the photo to friends as this subject of its origin was undecided.  Tree frog vs Toad.  The votes were, ummm, how shall I say all over from a peeping Tom to Nessie.  Alrightie I replied and emailed the photo to one of Canada's most respected naturalist with a help!  Michael kindly replied identifying Gary Glitter as a Grey Tree Frog.  Never having seen such colouring Gary will remain special. 

Sharing with https://ramblingwoods2.com/.  

Safe journey Hortense

 For weeks Hortense has drunk the feeder dry

until two days past, she returned no more.

Neither her feeder or begonia’s have seen her.

Is this a sign of her leaving to a southern climate

as the calendar has recorded over the years,

or has she succumbed to recent torrential rains.

I prefer thinking of her flying on southern waves,

whichever her absence, the feeder will remain

refreshed every two days, just in case.

Safe journey Hortense