Poet’s Corner: Nails

World Bird Sanctuary friend, Marge Biermann gives us another poem that asks us to slow down and enjoy the wonders of nature all around us—even in the oddest places.

Sometimes bird mothers choose to next in the oddest places (photo: Gay Schroer)

“There it was, a sign over the door….blinking,

And while looking at it I began thinking.

“Nails” is what it spelled, but there was an added feature.

Often God’s little birds can be a good teacher.

When I saw the grass and twigs in the crook of the “S”,

I knew a busy mama bird had a new address.

Then I looked at the other letters in the sign “Nails”.

I really saw some options for residential sales.

Perhaps a cozy nest in the “N” or in the angle of the “L”.

You never know what could become a bird hotel,

Or even a cute “A” frame waiting to be filled.

I’m sure a little family of wrens would be thrilled.

Yes, I could fill my time with a more important event,

But this is a moment, I think, well spent.

We live with God’s flying creatures every day,

From the majestic Eagle to the sassy Bluejay.

Birds do us no harm so why not wish them the best,

And look with pleasure on every clever little nest.”

It’s amazing how many times we walk within scant feet of a well hidden nest…after all, birds are clever little creatures.  The next time you step outside your door challenge yourself to count the nests between home and your destination.

Submitted by Marge Biermann, World Bird Sanctuary Guest Author

Listen

Many of us find a special tranquility when communing with nature—whether it be in our back yards, in the woods, by the shore of a lake, or in a nearby park.  Below World Bird Sanctuary friend, Marge Biermann, tells us what she hears when she seeks the peace and quiet of nature.

Listen

God speaks to me through each cricket, butterfly and bird,

Absolutely the very best sounds I’ve ever heard.

I listen with my heart….It has a good ear,

Catching every message from these creatures so dear.

The butterfly is quiet and it takes a little while.

Her words have special beauty and a gentle style.

Now that cricket loves the deep dark of night.

It’s then he chirps with all of his small might.

Then there are the birds….Beautiful, feathered creatures.

Where do I start to speak of all their outstanding features.

Each voice so different….from a peep to a hoot,

And each set of feathers a varied style of suit.

Most are early risers, but not our Owl friend.

He’s just beginning as our day starts to end.

Birds usually are first to greet a new season,

And seem always ready to sing without any reason.

They show their young by example how to fly,

And I’m sure they must get sad, but I’ve not seen one cry.

Once a pair of Robins nested in my flowers,

And I watched them tend their eggs for hours.

Three babies were hatched and guarded with care.

To approach the nest you wouldn’t dare.

No matter the danger they stood their ground.

Two better parents were not to be found.

When they all left that nest it was a sad day,

But I learned so much in such a pleasant way.

There are countless lessons out there without end,

Just stop and listen to a little wildlife friend.

The next time you visit the World Bird Sanctuary, take a moment to rest on one of our benches or walk one of our trails.  Who knows what you might hear?

Submitted by World Bird Sanctuary Guest Author, Marge Biermann            

Winged Messages

Have you ever found yourself having a conversation with your bird friends while watching them go about their business?  Following is another poem by talented guest author Marge Biermann, imagining a conversation one might have with their bird friends.

I talked with my bird friend just the other day.

Oh, it’s not that difficult….we have a way.

He answers my questions with a flip of his wing.

Or now and then he will maybe even sing.

There is always a language between man and beast.

Don’t search for words….they matter the least.

Birds and I manage quite well to commune.

With an owl we always talk in the light of the moon.

I now understand that with a twist of his head,

He’s saying, “I’m sorry, but explain what you just said”.

It’s rather like taking a walk with a friend.

Often it helps your troubled life to mend.

I watch the birds tend their babies with such care.

This parental act of love they’re willing to share.

I always leave them a favorite kind of meal,

Something that has definite “Bird Appeal”.

Then I say “Thank You” with my grateful “Goodbye”,

As I watch my winged friends soar into the sky.

Oh, what a great way to finish my day,

To hear what my bird friends have to say.

Our Creator sends us messages from every direction.

I happen to think birds are his best selection.

So, on your next visit to the World Bird Sanctuary, if you find yourself having a conversation with the birds who visit our feeders, or one of our many exhibit birds, don’t worry—no one will think anything of it.  It’s probably something we have all done at one time or the other.  At WBS it’s not at all unusual to find people talking to the birds….and each person has their own interpretation of the answer they receive in return.

Submitted by Marge Biermann, World Bird Sanctuary Guest Author

Bird Talk

Here is another whimsical poem about a conversation with birds by World Bird Sanctuary guest author Marge Biermann.

Juvenile Cooper's Hawk (photo: Gay Schroer)

Bird Talk

The sky is your highway, no traffic problem there.

No toll roads or bridges to request a fare.

Anyway, it’s kind of difficult for you to carry change.

I guess even using a credit card would seem strange!

Refueling simply means you find a worm or, maybe, a mouse.

And you usually live in a nest or, sometimes a house.

There’s no need to worry about a leaky roof,

You’ve solved the problem of weather proof.

Most of your brothers live in high rises, strong and tall,

Sheltered by leaves like a great granny shawl.

Your voices are heard in a variety of tones.

No monthly fees….you never need phones.

But life isn’t always as simple as that,

You’re always on watch for a hungry cat.

And accidents happen….then what to do?

You’ll need a friend to take care of you.

You need gentle hands to mend a broken wing,

So you can feel better and continue to sing.

I believe the World Bird Sanctuary is the place to go,

And then maybe you could help them with a show.

They educate people about how you live,

How we can help and the assistance we can give.

Living together, all of us….man and beast,

To keep the balance, none should be counted as least!

Submitted by Marge Biermann, World Bird Sanctuary Guest Author