The Skylarks Rise Again

Cherry

By Rhiannonw

Mon, 05 Nov 2012
  • 3556 reads
13 comments
 

When farmers sowed their crops in spring
the skylarks were abundant –
a fallow season followed by
short shoots – it was convenient
for building nests and finding food,
but now for them it’s not so good:

The autumn fields now rarely bare,
by spring, most crops are getting tall.
But some farms choose to try to spare
wild plots midfield, and maybe stall
the mowing of their meadows’ hay
’til nestlings fledge and fly away.

Still seen on heaths, and upland moor
coast dunes, and grassland near the shore;
on golf courses they now have found
new havens, city wasteland ground
and reclaimed landfill sites supply
good space for larks to nest and fly.

One skylark soars, its music pours:
far down below, its youngsters wait –
untroubled by a growing crop,
or mowing chop, or fox or stoat,
they’re nestled on a sedum roof
safe from all predators, aloof.

Certificate U
Poem
Nature
Nature

Comments

Submitted by Highhat on
It's a bit sad isn't it. But the farmers are busy as the population of the world increases but if there is no space for nature and animals we will go under. I think this is a beautiful poem Rhiannon. I am looking forward to February as that is when Larks come to this country for the Spring and summer. It's always about who spots one first and it gets on the news and all. all the best ;)Pia

Submitted by moonphish on
beautiful little slice of nature presented here...and its struggle against the invading populace - alvin

Submitted by Rhiannonw on
Thank you, Pia, yes, I am aware that the needs of food growing are certainly very real, but it is nice when animals/birds find ways to use new places - like golf courses and 'green/sedum roofs' ! and farmers find ways they can help too. and alvin, thanks for your comment too. regards, Rhiannon

 

Submitted by fatboy74 on
Clever and measured and a real treat to read. :)

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on
Thank you, Bear. I do have a love for rhyme, but only want to use it unobtrusively usually, a bit like using alliteration, to help the impact, the 'music', the flow, memorability. Having to think about it often focusses my mind on the content I think. Welsh poetry which I was brought up with, has highly technical forms which have a lot of emphasis on such — 'Cynghanedd' is very complex alliterative patterns and rhyme with strict rules. I think I always liked some of the musical patterns, without wanting to try to get so tight on form! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
I agree with Bear, hands down, Rhiannon. Excellent writing, and such an emotive subject. I had certainly noticed a decline in the number of skylarks round this part of East Anglia, but in the last couple of years, they have been much more prolific. An encouraging sign, as their song is only closely rivalled by Vaughan William's memorable 'Lark Ascending'. Much enjoyed. Tina

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on
Tina, glad you enjoyed. I had done this piece a little time ago, for a special reason, and dug it out yesterday and twiddled a tiny bit (actually I think I just rearranged the verses). Yes, I love Vaughan William's piece too. It is good that the larks are seen and heard still. thank you for commenting. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on
Thank you for the cherry encouragement, Eds! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on
FB, I'm sorry I missed your comment earlier. Always nice to get appreciation from you. I'm glad you enjoyed this. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by jeand on

HI Rhiannon

It's nice in my tour of your writing to get to the current season. And you make a good point about the birds needing someone to think of their welfare in the winter months.

Well written and educational poem.

Jean

Jean Day

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank  you, Jean. Glad you enjoyed. I think as the farmers are asked to cut back on land use for some reason, they are encouraged to use any spare for helping the wildlife that is hindered when farming is very intensive. It is always lovely to see and hear the skylarks in spring. I especially liked the tale of the skylark nesting on the roof covered in growth. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

isn't it incredible how birds can adapt to conditions? As you pointed out in your poem, they will move on to pastures new when surroundings become impossible to live in. 

Back in 2020 when we were in lockdown, farm land was thriving with nature up on the ridgeway, which goes to prove nature will always find a way to sustain itself, some how, some way.

Great poem that gets you thinking about how wonderful our earth is.

Hope you are healing and feeling a lot better now.

Still thinking of you.

Jenny. x

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you, Jenny. I was again pleased to reread this old one myself! The lark's songs are so delightful aren't they.

I am progressing, thank you, though some things are still a bit difficult, so have to wait to see if there are other issues that need any treatmen or to heal upt. Rhiannon