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Lavender
Lavender
Nov 12, 2023 ⭐ View statistics (Premium feature)
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A Host of Sandhill Cranes

Two hundred Sandhill
Cranes flew by
to decorate the
southbound sky,
to soar,
to flee,
to freely fly
off to a warmer mire.

And as I watched
the sedge move on
from roosts of colts
now so forgone
from nest
to sky,
to freely fly,
my own heart carried higher.

I wondered where
they'd find their stay
through winter's plight
so cold and gray,
to rest,
to stretch,
to freely fly
as nature would aspire.

So many more
have come to pass
these sleeping trees,
this labored grass,
and though I longed,
I did not ask
to freely fly
as was my soul's desire.

When winter's wind
breaks through the panes
I'll dream about
the Sandhill Cranes
and I shall soar,
to flee,
to freely fly,
and touch the heavens, nigher.

About This Poem

Last Few Words: I usually hear these beauties before I see them up above. L

Style/Type: Free verse

Review Request Intensity: I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back

Editing Stage: Editing - rough draft

About the Author

Country/Region: United States

Favorite Poets: I tend to read Ted Kooser, Jim Harrison, Billy Collins, Paul Simon, Robert Frost. I like minimalist poetry, and poems reflecting on nature and Mother Earth.

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Comments

RoseBlack

RoseBlack

1 year 7 months ago

What an image

Of the sandhill cranes soaring to their winter destination! To be as free as they are and to pick up and relocate as they see fit! The imagery paints such a grand picture! As always, excellent form, flow and use of language. I can imagine the liberating feeling watching them fly away. Great job

Lavender

Lavender

1 year 7 months ago

Thank you, Carrie,

It is so exciting to watch them - they are magnificent.
Thank you for reading!
L

Alex Tanner

Alex Tanner

1 year 7 months ago

Love it

Very descriptive, unfortunately not a bird we get here, only magpies, rooks and pigeons in any quantity. Oh! I nearly forgot the raucous greedy gulls. Loved it. Alex

Lavender

Lavender

1 year 7 months ago

Hello, Alex,

Sandhill Cranes are a glorious bird! No poetry really could ever do them justice.
Thank you for reading!
L

Ruby Lord

Ruby Lord

1 year 7 months ago

Hey Lavender, I don't know

Hey Lavender, I don't know why, but the hair on my neck suddenly prickled as I got to the end of your poem. That was fantastic, I loved it. Well done, Ruby :) xx

Lavender

Lavender

1 year 7 months ago

Hello, Ruby!

I am touched it this gave you any strong feeling - they are so poem-worthy!
Thank you for your wonderful comments. Always appreciate it!
L

Leslie

Leslie

1 year 7 months ago

Sandhill Cranes

I am well acquainted with these majestic birds.
They used to fly right over us and land right behind the school yard where I worked. Unmistakable call! What a breath-taking poem.

Lavender

Lavender

1 year 7 months ago

You are so fortunate!

I've only seen them from a distance. We are located along their migratory route and they gather in the thousands several hours away from us. I really need to make the trip to see them. (On my bucket list) Yes, their trilling call is invigorating! You can hear it long before you see them!
L

Candlewitch

Candlewitch

1 year 7 months ago

Dear Lavender,

The title of this poem bothers me. It is the number "Two Hundred". I am wondering if you could use something that flows better, like; A Host Of, or A Multitude Of? I think this finely crafted work of art deserves a more fitting introduction. (a title is an introduction) it is fine in the first lines of the piece.

The repeated lines, in the body of the poem flow well and add texture. they are the heart of the piece. I really like this poem because of them. my favorite lines are:

So many more
have come to pass
these sleeping trees,
this labored grass,
and though I longed,
I did not ask
to freely fly
as was my soul's desire.

I found closure at the ending. this poem made me feel good as if a cloud had lifted.

*hugs, Cat

Lavender

Lavender

1 year 7 months ago

Hello, Cat!

Thank you for the lovely suggestion! I really like "A Host..." and will gratefully use it!
Thanks, again!
L