one less dove

 

Early morning when I hear an odd noise

resounding from the garden.

Peering out a window it was evident

all creatures had disappeared, except one.

One lone dove huddled against a pergola beam,

its head turned my way with startled eyes.

Scanning the garden my eyes locked

on a hawk sitting atop the fence,

grasped in its talons a dove, the partner.

Hawk-eyes met mine as it spread its wings

and flew away with its meal swinging.

For three hours its partner sat and stared

at me through the window pleading help.

What could I do but give my condolences

and wash blood off the house wall.

Feeding protocol

 

There is a feeding protocol in the squirrel world. In the deep of winter there were eight to ten of the furry ground rats dropping by. To prevent squabbling amongst them I spread seeds in and around the main feeder. Voila! Fighting ceased as they each enjoyed their own pile of feed taking their time even though there was a line up. Finally, there was peace in the garden.

breath -haiku

 

morning sun rises

sparkling over the marshland,

my frosty breath smiles

Disagreement in the menu?

 

day fades while night rises,

snow softly falls upon the feeder

cloaking it with a white table cloth.

Mr. Cardinal arrives for his evening meal,

his brilliant red against the white of snow

is a site to behold in the wane of light.

this watcher sighs as he dines alone,

knowing his mate fed solo an hour ago,

perhaps a disagreement in the menu?

Storm brewing

 

storm is brewing

clouds heavy with snow

blows over the land.

neighbours are disguised

with draperies of snowflakes

so thick the road is invisible.

Winter is not over

nor will be for months

til then we hold fast.