September morningsong

/ Fran Haley

-a pantoum-

Just outside my window
an unexpected song
so loud and full of joy
I want to sing along

An unexpected song
bright spirit, wild and free
I want to sing along
until you fly from me

Bright spirit, wild and free
winging your doxology
until you fly from me
I’m clinging to your singing

Winging your doxology
so loud and full of joy
I’m clinging to your singing
just outside my window.

The Carolina wren is a little bird with a big voice. I’ve been trying for days to get a photo of this regular visitor perched on our birdhouse church. I finally managed it this morning. As wrens are a common symbol for artists, musicians, and poets, a poem seemed called for. The pantoum form beckoned, with the rhythms of its moving, repeated lines (per new line, in stanzas of four: 1234 2546 5768 7381).

The wren also represents rebirth, immortality, and protection. It is considered a guide through dark times.

Mostly I am awed by its glorious singing.

16 thoughts on “September morningsong”

  3. I do love the Carolina wren, and this poem really evokes its presence as the lines weave in and out (as Margaret said). After reading your work, I refreshed my memory regarding the pantoum and was not surprised to see it’s an Asian form at its root. So beautiful, and a perfect treatment for your winged friend!

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    • I love the pantoum. Sometimes it rolls out easily – other times, not at all. I have a lot of rhyme in this one, which the form doesn’t usually have. And – how can one hear a Carolina wren and not be moved?? Thanks so much for your words, Tim.

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  5. I love the pantoum form, so fitting for this scene! My favorite line: “winging your doxology”–and then seeing the picture of the church birdhouse and making the connection–perfect! I heard two birdsongs yesterday that I couldn’t place…one may have been a mockingbird, but the other…still not sure if it was bird or insect. In these hot lingering summer days filled with an abundance of both, hard to tell.

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    • I know what you mean about differentiating the bird sounds vs. insects, and even frogs – some strange things with strange choruses are afoot sometimes. The pantoum form had the “feel” of the scene, the song, my own reaction… finding the words was all that remained! Many thanks, Chris.

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  6. Unexpected song
    So loud and full of joy
    Guidance for dark times
    This post and your words prodded me to attempt a poem borrowing your words. And then I opened YouTube to listen to your California wren. The picture is pure perfection.

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    • I thought about linking a clip to the Carolina wren’s bright song, Ramona – so glad you searched it! I would love to see your poem – am delighted that mine beckoned its creation. Many thanks for this response.

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  7. The Carolina Wren was a new bird for me when I traveled to the US this past summer. So cute, and yes, a lovely song! Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com

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  8. Morningsong: an ode, a devotional /
    a moment loudquiet, joyful /
    the clinging, the singing and ringing /
    a reminder, in music notes fluttering /
    of the power of faith, of metaphor /

    Beautiful stuff, Fran. Thanks for this post. =))

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    • So glad to hear from you – I hope you and yours are well! Thank you for these gracious words. The little wren is utterly endearing. I think it’s impossible to feel down while listening to that bright song reverberating. Drifting into autumn… a few leaves have turned yellow here. I am contemplating a post in that regard. Hope your southern hemisphere spring will hold much uplifting bird music!

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