Meditations on the kingdom of the bluebird

I. Accepting the bluebird
perching, you might not even notice
the thin vein of power

line humming above the street.
Its arterial stretching
from the driftwood colored

pole to the ridge of our roof-
a beginning we don’t know
how to live without. The body

grows used to certain things,
and the mind trains itself
to forget the superfluous.

Like, in this instance, the way
we might get along without light
when winter falls across earth

so early with its dark wool blanket.


II. Accepting the way the bird
is turning, you might not even notice
the depth of blue blooming

across its tiny body. Funny,
it is only when his back is turned
that I can see how his figure

seems to carve itself
out of the clear autumn sky.
In that moment

when the season is starting to turn
from the blithe gestures of summer
to the bare provinces

of a lonely shuddering.

Author's Note

2019

Reviews

[Mrudula Rani]

Kingdom of blue bird is vast and at the perimeter it is almost enticing and very entrancing as well. For reasons I find throughout this beautiful verse I believe this is about melancholy. A touch of melancholy has the most heart gripping effect in art, especially in poetry and music. " when the season is starting to turn from the blithe gestures of summer to the bare provinces of lonely shudder." It is absolutely perfect writing, Eilis.

[Eilis]

Thank you, Mrudula. I think most of my writing is a push pull between melancholy and contentment. Sometimes I think melancholy is a stronger tidal force. But, I’m always looking up.

Thanks for visiting my words. I always enjoy reading your perspective.

[Mrudula Rani]

It's entirely my pleasure, Eilis. All the best.

[Eilis]

Best to you, Mrudula.

[barleygirl]

This is some of the highest originality in thinking I've seen at the cafe! I was mind-blown thru the whole thing, becuz you are picking up on things about life that have never occurred to me to notice, but when you point it out, I'm wondering how my mind can be so limited! I very much envy writers like you who ponder stuff to this degree. I enjoy writing what I observe, but this is about noticing the way the observations are happening in yourself . . . seeing & feeling all the dynamic interplay. That's high imagination in my book! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Eilis]

Hi, Margie. Thank you so much! That is a wonderful compliment to receive. I was just commenting to CD below about an observation he shared on the poem that made me think in a similar way to what you describe above. I love being able to interact with other writers because our minds all work and experience the world so differently.

Thanks again. Your comment has made me feel proud of what I’ve done with this one. I appreciate your visits.

[CD Campbell]

It's funny to think that the bluebird, like us, can't imagine the world without transmission lines, poles, and utility. It accepts it as it always has been. There are these beautiful, high areas where they can nest and see their entire world in safety. And like the bird, we also can sense the changing of the seasons and with sadness know that time goes on and all things will be a distant memory. :( What a great meditation! I am always impressed by your writing. (above is just heartfelt filler) If this be a work in progress, I can't wait to see the finished copy. Good on you, Eilis.

[Eilis]

I hadn’t thought of it in that way...what you say about the bluebird. The child in me has a habit of clinging to the romantic notion of a curtain between our two worlds. I’m glad you shared that tidbit. Maybe that will be another poem soon.

Thanks for your (always) insightful comments, CD. And your kind words on my poems. Much appreciated.

[Lyanth]

I've always had a fascination with winged things, especially birds. I love the depth of atmosphere in your words as well as the easy flowing train of thought portrayed. Beautiful piece.

[Eilis]

Hi, Lyanth. Is that a bat I spy in your avatar’s hands? Fascinating creatures as well. I have written one or two poems about them.

Thank you for your kind words. I’m glad you enjoyed the poem.

[Lyanth]

It is a bird, a young cardinal. Found him abandoned in the middle of my yard, crying for his parents. He had a broken leg and sores all over and was extremely thin due to days of starvation. I took him in and made a nest. Unfortunately he was already at death's door and did not last 10 minutes.

[Lyanth]

I am a hobbyist photographer, I made the photo.

[Eilis]

That’s always a difficult encounter. I’ve experienced it similarly several times. But it’s always worth trying. It’s a lovely photo. You are a talented photographer.

[Lyanth]

Yes it is, I've experienced it quite alot. Thank you

[John Alexander McFadyen]

There seems to be a dual aspect not only to this well written free verse but also to the meaning. There feels to be a wonderment about nature and the bird but also a reluctant acceptance, a sadness about the transitions of the seasons and life itself?

[Eilis]

That’s an excellent summation, John. Probably most of my poems are a dance between wonder and dread, or denial and acceptance. Appreciate you sharing your ideas on the poem. Thanks!

[gram linski]

a lonely shuddering, what a delightful line, I shudder reading it, liked the dual aspect of the two verses, almost like you were watching the same view from different perspectives, which you probably were, lol,

[Eilis]

I think I’m always two people, ha. I think I was trying to see the bird from a spiritual and a physical aspect. I think this one is also still developing in my head.

Thanks, Gram. Much appreciated.

[Wondering Mind]

Excellent expressions of a deep perceptive mind. Kudos

[Eilis]

Many thanks, Wondering Mind. Thanks for stopping by.

[Neville]

Your powers of observation, the way you flex your mental muscle, and exercise your pen are each superb .... N

[Eilis]

Thank you, Neville. That is very kind. Thanks for reading.

[Neville]

not kind.. but oh' so very true :)

[Eilis]

....... :)