Birdsong

There are so many blessings in each day if we just take time to look and listen. For D and I, some of the most lovely of these are the songs of the birds on our property.

As we watch the many birds at the feeders, we listen to their songs. Every song is different. We watch them fly to and fro from the fence to the feeders, and back to the trees, of which there is also a variety. 

D and I planted a weeping willow two years ago in honor of my daughter, Charlie, who introduced D and I to each other. But the deer also loved the tree and removed much of its bark that first year.

The willow is trying its hardest to survive. It is growing ever so slightly but still too small and fragile to house birds, or even give them a sturdy place to perch. But as I sit on my cabin porch and I listen to their songs and I see that little willow, I am reminded of a poem I wrote for my dear friend, Chelle, who passed away almost 10 years ago at the young age of 54.

THE WEEPING WILLOW

And so the Weeping Willow stood

Magnificent in all her glory

Given a sunlit crown to wear

Added an essence to her story.

*

She delighted those around her

And all who came to see 

The beauty of her branches

The softness of this tree.

*

She stood so proud, but humbly

Amidst the changing realm 

A shelter for her loved ones 

With strength she’d take the helm.

*

Often this Weeping Willow weeped 

And at times you’d hear her cry

As the howling winds of trials

Rushed thru her, swiftly by.

*

And so through life she stood there 

Her branches filled with birdsong 

But as lovely as the melodies were 

The notes were beckoning her home.

*

For deep within the Willow’s heart 

Was a pain that would not cease

It quickly took her life one day

Peacefully, quietly in her sleep.

*

The memories that she left us 

In our hearts we’ll hold them dear

The birds still sing her song of love 

To reassure she’s always near.

*

We will forever miss that Willow

We are now the ones who weep

Her strength, her love, her beauty, though

Are gifts for us to keep.

Birdsong is communication from one bird to another but, to me, it is music.

I am forever grateful for all the beauty God has blessed us with. And for these blessings that tie our hearts to one another. 

♥️

Andi