The Singer
The rain fell in the night as predicted - straight-down, relentless, a carillon calling to sleep. The big white dog slept with his head across my feet, occasionally letting loose a deep, contented sigh as the rain pounded the roof and lashed the leaded windows till, just as the hands of the clock drifted closer to three, we heard him.
Out there in the dark, in the rain. A bird, singing.
Not the soft lilt of the nightingale, nor the warm hoot of the owl, but a full-throated song more suitable to noon-time, more expected in the sun. Hidden within the chartreuse leaves of a newly born Spring this feathered tenor lifted his voice to spite the dark, to ridicule the rain; neither would silence his obvious joy. Though the lyrics were known only to him, he sang through the dark garden in notes of pure happiness, a celestial choir of one.
The big dog stirred and met my gaze with understanding.
“He has to sing”, he seemed to tell me. "He can't help himself.
“The rain is pushing away winter. Spring is here.”
“For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone;
The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come….”
Song of Solomon 2:11-12
Your writing just keeps getting better and better. Thank you. Sandra
ReplyDeleteLovely. It is always such a joy to read your posts!
ReplyDeleteThat big white dog has many words of wisdom.
ReplyDeleteA lovely description; you remind me of Fairchild in his powerful and descriptive poems, Pamela. I love powerful artists who barrel in, electrifying their words with their truth. Beautiful song. Anita
ReplyDeleteLove the photo you've used here to illustrate your songbird. Sometimes all that's needed is the clear voice of one small bird perched on a branch to put things in perspective - rather than the raucous twittering and cackling of flocks passing overhead.
ReplyDeleteMy garden birds never cease to bring surprises. I truly enjoy their presence daily.
Happy Spring dear Pamela -
Mary
One of your finer posts, dear Pamela! Every word as sweet as the notes of your nocturnal songster's tune!
ReplyDeleteWarmly,
White Rabbit
I have also heard the sweet sound of birdsong at night. I always wonder why they are doing that. The little songbirds must just not be able to stifle it as the owls and hawks would also be drawn to the sound.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful..I heard him too...
ReplyDeleteYou noticed what so many block or take for granted. Birds teach us patience, observation, and beauty. Even a drab-looking bird is beautiful upon a closer look.
ReplyDeletearound here, winter is pushing back.
ReplyDeleteand seeming to win.
for now.
Thank you Pamela! I have been hearing the birds singing upon their return from the south, what a delight!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Enjoy your Spring Pamela.
ReplyDeleteIt truly is the most magical of seasons........along with Autumn, Summer and Spring!!!
Pamela, I know you're a fan of Outlander and we only have a few more days till season 2 is screened here.
Don't you just love the theme music ..........Sing me a song of a lass that is gone, Say could that lass be I.
Cheers
Anita
Just lovely, Pamela. A real harbinger of spring!
ReplyDelete