A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song. ~Chinese proverb
I
Looked out
My window
And saw these two
Curious finches
Perched in a dogwood tree,
Glancing into the distance.
I couldn’t help wondering what
Their tiny, beady eyes were seeing
As they peered into space … and perhaps time.
Flitting from branch to branch, the two finches
Kept up a constant chattering sound,
Filling the air outside with a
Delightful round of music.
Would that people, too, felt
Free to sing their songs
Shamelessly and
Fearlessly,
Without
Qualm.
Note: Poetry form is Double Etheree. You can find out more about this form here.
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 
Thank you for creating such a lovely poem, Debbie! To think, those pretty finches had no idea they were the inspiration for your delightful words! It’s starting to look like spring there.
Yes, things are definitely greening up here! Of course, every time we get a warm day, we unfortunately get storms to accompany it. Sigh. Spring is such a changeable season, isn’t it?
Indeed, it’s hard to know what to expect from one day to the next.
Debbie, I LOVED this! As always, you have such a gift with words; painting the most vivid images of what you’re seeing and thinking.
This is my favorite part…
“Would that people, too, felt
Free to sing their songs
Shamelessly and
Fearlessly,
Without
Qualm.”
Yes!
And btw, I love finches and the sound they make when they chatter. They remind me of the song, ‘Pick-A-Little, Talk-A-Little’, in the musical “Music Man.” Lol!
Happy Monday, my friend! X
HaHa, now I’m going to be singing “Pick-a-little, Talk-a-little” all day long! That was such a good show.
I’m glad you liked my poem, Ron. Those finches are still cavorting in and around the dogwood tree, too. I’m hoping they’ll build a nest nearby, so I can watch the babies!
Happy Tuesday to you. We’re hoping for a sunny day but bracing for end-of-the-week thunderstorms. Yuck, always in time for the weekend. xx
How true! You put it so well. I remember this from Sesame Street. Back in the day.
“Sing, sing a song
Sing out loud, sing out strong
Sing of good things not bad
Sing of happy not sad.”
I remember that one, too, Laurie! And I’ve found that keeping a song in my heart helps my days go much better. And these finches have such happy-sounding songs!
You bet!
What a wonderful Etheree, and such a perfect capture of the finches’ song. I’ve seen a couple around my feeders, but there’s no singing yet. Right now, cooing doves and a show-off mockingbird are providing the only song, but more will come. It occurred to me that our writing’s a bit like song. Feeling free to write without qualms is wonderful, too. I’m glad that you keep singing!
Linda, I’m blushing at your praise — thank you! You know, it’s thanks to you that I even started writing Etherees. It started as a personal challenge of sorts, but I’ve grown to enjoy putting them together. I’m a bit surprised you aren’t hearing more bird songs. We’ve got cooing doves, noisy jays, and plenty of cardinals already. And I’ve seen several chubby robins, too.
Just last night, I heard a cardinal singing, and finally spotted him high in a cypress tree. I predict more birdsong!
I’ve always, since I was a kid, wanted to be a bird. Oh I know their life spans are short, but what a life they enjoy! To sing AND fly!
Dawn, that’s another thing we have in common! I, too, have always wanted to fly. Not in a plane, but on my own. I can remember donning a cape and racing down our slide, flapping my arms like crazy, hoping I’d take off! And it’s truly rare that I don’t have a song running through my mind and heart!
Wonderful, Debbie! 👏🏼
I’m so happy you liked it, Eliza — thank you for telling me!
Lovely!
Cindy, I’m thrilled you found it enjoyable!
Singing with abandon would be great. Good job, Debbie.
Ah, thanks so much, John. Your words humble me!
😁
Lovely poem, Debbie! But if you’d ever heard me sing you’d be glad I only do it in the shower… 😉
HeeHee! Showers are great for singing, you know. Something about the acoustics making the sounds bounce off the walls and help every voice come across as better. (Doesn’t hurt that there, we can sing with abandon because nobody is around to hear and critique!)
Well done, Debbie!
Thanks very much — I’m glad it brightened your day!
Lovely! Made my morning. Thanks 🙏
How nice to meet you, Helena, and thank you for letting me know my poem passed muster! I’m off to check out your blog now.
A beautiful photo of a pair of finches enjoying themselves and each other, Debbie. Lovely poem to enhance their magic! TD
TD, I’m thrilled you liked my photo and poem — and I’m so happy you dropped by to tell me!!