Feathers Without Hope

Cherry

By skinner_jennifer

Wed, 30 Aug 2023
  • 1417 reads
11 comments
 

Dear diary...poem about

discovering a bird with a

broken wing in a storm, on

St Pete's Beach in Florida

back in the early 90s.

 

 

I recount brief encounter

on stormy beach that day,

was I braver than others

searching for cover like

flocks of sheep hurrying

away?

 

Calm rests in some other

faraway bay where sun

beats down and pressure

of work is eroded,

 

but no ray of a smile

heralds here...or sparkles

with precious calm; just

fear of a broken wing,

your shallow breath leaves

compassion as I silently

cry,

 

“please guardian of storm,

I shield this fledgling's

suffering; its trauma

saddens me with tears that

mingle with deluge...we

two companions in silence

pounded by wind and rain,

 

does instinct accompany

fear for these beating

wings, imminent mortality

overshadowed by death

as a mottled mark upon this

beach?”

 

As if my mind was read,

along beach came running

investigating veterinarian;

recognized my outpouring,

explained looming fears

would soon be closing in,

 

death was coming for my

new feathered companion.

Bleakness of my ravings

wouldn't help, so l left in

capable hands and hoped

for this bird's spirit to take

flight.

 

 

 

 

Certificate PG
Poem
Dear Diary
Travel
Biography
Nature
Love
Journal
Autobiography

Comments

Submitted by marandina on

A moment captured so eloquently. Maybe the guardian of the storm heard. Let's hope the bird's spirit took flight after all. Another lovely diary entry, Jenny. Paul

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Hi Paul,

you know I've never been in storms like they have in Florida, those big black clouds coming in off the sea are the scariest thing ever. The waves are so rough, they actually sweep stuff from the sea bed up onto the beach.

In that moment I thought while on my knees, that I would get blown away the wind was so strong, but I huddled down covering the poor bird, who by now had given up trying to fly and didn't make a noise.

Can't recall how long I knelt there, but it felt like ages. Thankfully back then I was quite fit and strong. I really hope the poor bird's spirit did take flight. It's a day I shall never forget as long as I live.

Thank you so much for reading and your kind words Paul. 

Jenny. smiley

 

 

Submitted by Turlough on

It''s incredible how vets can turn up unexpectedly when needed. Do they really go everywhere with a termometer and a small animal cage? 

A great poem dear Jenny the lifesaver.

Turlough

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Hi Turlough,

apparently a young girl saw me eventually, she came running down the beach and asked me what was wrong. When I told her, the girl said she'd go and get the vet, the vets was luckily enough just up off the beach...thank goodness because I was getting battered and was wondering if I'd get back to the hotel alive.

He told me that many birds get washed up on the beach, and a bird with a broken wing wouldn't stand a chance of surviving, which I kind of already knew anyway.

It was certainly a hard slog back to the hotel fighting against the wind. By the time I got back I was like a drowned rat and many people stared at me, they must have thought I was mad being out in all that weather. But thankfully I survived a moment in time I shall never forget ever.

I'm very grateful to you for taking the time to read and share your thoughts.

Many thanks.

Jenny. smiley 

 

Submitted by Turlough on

It's a sad old story Jenny, but unfortunately that's the way nature works. And you did your best in a situation where a lot of people wouldn't have. So good on you!

And was the vet not able to do anything to help a poor drowned rat?

 

Turlough

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Ha! Ha! laugh This poor drowned rat was just glad to get back to the safety of the hotel, without getting blown out to sea, surprise or worse still carried off on the strong wind...I know I've said I'd like to be able to fly, but only with a parachute, but that's another story. wink

Thanks for stopping by again Turlough.

Jenny. smiley

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

As you cradled the little bird is a reminder of the comfort a gentle caring carer can give to a person suffering, and maybe, dying. Not an easy role either. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Hi Rhiannon,

you are so right about giving the poor bird some comfort. I knew that with a broken wing the bird woudln't survive, but I couldn't just leave it there all alone to be blown around with no shelter, but it broke my heart to see it suffer, and was so glad when eventually the vet turned up and was able to at least take it in somewhere warm.

Thank you so much for reading Rhiannon, and your comment is appreciated.

Jenny. smiley

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Hi Editors, I'm filled with gratitude for the cherries, they are so rewarding.

Thank you kindly.

Jenny. smiley

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Sometimes, even with the best of intentions, we are powerless to defy the cruel force of Nature, Jenny. You have to be praised for showing such compassion.

Luigi xx

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Ah! That's so kind of you to say Luigi. I suppose I just went with my instincts. It was with your help that I had another go at writing this poem. I was much more pleased with this version, which I took more time over.

Thank you for reading and your kind words.

Jenny. xx smiley