A Mellifluous Song

A Mellifluous Song

 

 

Ever faintly I hear

the cooing of

a mourning dove

 

Its mellifluous song

pierces my soul

with all the proclivity of

a thorn bird

in mid song.

 

 

 

photography by / Kelly Scheppers © 2017

Author's Note

This was the second nesting of mourning doves outside my home. The male prepares the nest and is the one that coos that mellifluous song.

Reviews

[barleygirl]

LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! I have doves around here, so I'm very familiar with this cooo you describe. Love your word crafting & word choices -- making this sound like no other bird song ever written about! *smile* Fondly, Margie

[Kelly Scheppers]

I got up on a step ladder to get this close, and the male never once flinched. It was the same with the baby squabs. I'd like to think they felt safe in my presence. Thank you, Margie!

[barleygirl]

I forgot to mention, your photo is exquisite! *smile*

[alanwgraham]

This is a very sweet poem Kelly and beautifully written. I must admit that I had to find out a bit about thorn birds and i came across the thorn bird myth - I guess this is what your second verse refers to. The bird searches for the sharpest thorn and as it dies sings the most beautiful song.
Great work and I'm keen on taking inspiration and lessons from nature as you have done.
Regards,
Alan

[Kelly Scheppers]

The myth is tragically beautiful, isn't it? Thank you so much for such a wonderful review, Alan!

[Dave]

We have a gorgeous very tall evergreen tree just off our deck in the backyard. I've had the pleasure of hearing the call of the mourning dove. Better yet they don't seem to nest to high up the tree so we've had the reward of seeing the result of his mating call. Thank you for your imagery.

Take care - Dave

[Kelly Scheppers]

My pleasure, Dave. So glad you enjoyed it!

[Ruth]

Quite a contradiction within the poem, beautiful. The picture of course is precious :) Their song lures the soul and speaks so many tales. Birds are wise messengers for those who absorb their tones xx

[Kelly Scheppers]

...thank you, darlin! Hope all is well with you!

[Ruth]

Life is life ey hon...hope you are doing well xo

[andrew mitchell]

I love a lot of birds but the dove is not one of them give me the brown bird or blackbird whistle anyday. I find the cooing annoying, their neck swagger annoying and they defecate in huge quantities. Having said that a well written poem Kelly. I prefer a hoot from an owl! But I see the peace doves bring as a symbol. :):)

[Kelly Scheppers]

I'm still glad you took the time to read...even though the love's not there. Not like I'm going to strike you down with a bolt of lightning or anything. ; )

[andrew mitchell]

and I thought you were a god!! I'm coming out of the shelter now with my hands up!!

[Kelly Scheppers]

Lol, that was pretty good!

[emmajoy]

If only we humans had the wisdom and passion of mourning doves!

Your words are magical renditions of their lives, Kelly, really lovely. Those birds present a touch of treasure in one instantly recognisable sound.
If Man could only do the same along with giving all..

Youre such a skilful writer, a gently powerful poet and my long.time friend.. a mourning dove, you are!

[Kelly Scheppers]

The kindness of your words leave me speechless, Em...a thousand thank you's, my friend!

[emmajoy]

Surely after all this time, you know your words inevitablly reach me!

[Dara]

Beautiful words accompanied by your wonderful photograph, Kelly. I have had the pleasure of hearing a dove every morning this summer until just recently. I worried something had happened to it but now that I know it must have been a male, perhaps his job was done and he flew off for a bit. That is what I like to think anyway. Love this tribute to such a melodious creature.

[Kelly Scheppers]

They coo most of the time to call the female to the nest. They mate from spring to late summer, but not all doves migrate. Even in Canada some mourning doves remain through winter, sustained by the presence of bird feeders. And they mate for life, too. I am so anxious to see, and hear, their return in the spring! Thank you so much, Dara!

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

The lamentation of a mourning dove resonates with the soul, and its wing whistle is enlivening and invigorating. I love to see them in pairs in the yard pecking at the seed beneath the feeder. I love that they mate for life; and when I see one alone, it always makes me sad. You cannot help but to love their darling faces.

[Kelly Scheppers]

They are quite precious to, and I am already anticipating their return here, next spring. Thank you so much, Linda!

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Kelly, the honeyed mellow soft music of a morning dove is a romantic song, especially when the sun sets on pumpkins sleeping in a September field of autumn dreams. Your poetry brings colors of melancholy to whispers of doves cooing and wooing
the season of gathered memories... remains of the day. truly, Pat

[Kelly Scheppers]

I have such an appreciation for this bird from all I've learned and have witnessed first hand. Glad you enjoyed it, Pat!

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Kelly... you have the touch of tenderness that envelopes our heart and soul with melancholy and melodious
appreciation of nature's gift of feathered blessings. truly, Pat

[Great Aunt Astri]

Lovely poem on the mourning dove, and I love the photo. Mellifluous is a word I must remember to use! Many thanks.

[Kelly Scheppers]

It is a wonderful word, isn't it? Many thanks for such a kind review!