Most of the time my thoughts,
largely black
in their forehead, crown and throat,
save the grey nape and breast,
caw vehemently
over carrions
of day to day life-
am I not surprised
when they are no more the crows
they are-
but asian paradise flycatchers-
with milky plumage all over-
with a glossy, navy blue crown-
majestic-
their throat holding a sweet note-
speckling my glowing inner sky
with their angelic flight-
Well that is a gorgeous bird indeed. How delightful it must be to catch sight of one (or more). Does the female have such a showy tail as well or is just so the males attract the girls?
No the female doesn’t have an elongated tail like the male’s but it has a burnt orange color. And is also good looking.
My word, this is gorgeous. What an exquisite and creative metaphor.
“they are no more the crows
they are-
but asian paradise flycatchers”
“their throat holding a sweet note-
speckling my glowing inner sky”
Those are my favorite sections.
I love to be surprised by birds. Your poem is a delightful tribute to those surprises.
Beautiful Sumana.. when do our thoughts change from crows to paradise fly catchers… how terrible it would be if we miss that moment!
What a surprise to see such a gorgeous bird. Love your poem about this beauty.
Oh! The carrion bird of dark thoughts “over carrions
of day to day life” is an amazing and true image.
That’s where I’ve been lately–as if the parts of my body/mind have a life of their own. The surprise may be hidden in our spirit/soul, but when it is confirmed outwardly–when the carrion bird gives us leave to notice–that is a healing joy. I love this poem; it couldn’t have been easy to write. I’ll cherish it.
This is absolutely stunning, Sumana! ❤️ Especially love; “their throat holding a sweet note-speckling my glowing inner sky” 🙂
A beautiful, imagistic delight, Sumana! 🙂
Birds are a great joy and beautiful. to behold. May your inner sky be filled with bird song.
When plagued by crows, how delightful are the visits from gloriously attired flycatchers!
Your poem indeed is a lovely surprise. The way you have described these glorious birds is stupendous and then drawn comparisons to the human desires (inner sky) that want to take an angelic flight
Wow your flights of fancy can be dark or gorgeous. What an exquisite bird though
Happy you dropped by my blog
Much💜love
I am familiar with black, cawing thoughts, Sumana, and I love the way you have portrayed them in this poem – especially the surprising transformation into gorgeous Asian paradise flycatchers!