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

[Lydia Shutter]

"Mellifluous"....one of my favorite words. So pleased to read it in a poem. The song is special to us, but to the mourning dove, it is just part of what he does naturally. How lovely this is. Lydi**

[Kelly Scheppers]

One of mine, too! I love the way it rolls off the tongue.

[Ted Kniffen]

The cooing of mourning doves always evokes the heat of an August morning when I was a boy. Well done, Kelly.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Glad I could stir up a memory for you, Ted. That, in itself, is the best compliment!

[Einstein Noodle]

i love the call of the morning doves ..one can feel all kinds of things in their voices ... and thank you for my education on the thorn bird lore ... another piece i can add to my Celtic background ... your use of language and form create just the right amount of comparisons and voice ...such a sweet nugget this one is ma'am!
E.
ps nice shot with the camera too!

[Kelly Scheppers]

They really are beautiful birds, and they mate for life. This shot was taken from my phone, and a step ladder. I was pleasantly surprised by the calm of the dove every time I attempted to take a photo. Thank you, Gene!

[Einstein Noodle]

:) ................... love and hugs Legs!

[William Liston]

A brief poem, but says everything that needs to be said.
Kelly, your words hit with grace and elegance, yet leave a tinge of sorrow. Feels like a sad song to me, leaves a sting, but is, nevertheless, beautiful and comforting. Brilliantly penned!

- William Liston

[Kelly Scheppers]

I love their song and wanted very much to bring it to light within a poem. Your expression captures that. Thank you, Will!

[Ken Simm.]

One of the songs of summer. Both the dove and the poem.

[Kelly Scheppers]

...and they didn't seem to mind me getting this close either. I hoped you would enjoy it, Ken. Thank you so much.

[keith]

there are so many wonders often unseen.
you have given honor to the mourning dove that's sends comforting song to it's mate and the fabled thorn bird that only sung once as it willingly paid the price with it's life.
beautiful wordsmithing.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I've learned so much about them, simply by observing them. The story of the thorn bird is heartbreaking, isn't it? All for one song...

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Excellent photograph Kelly and then you capture the scene in a lovely verse which so succinctly gives the reader the feel for the moment.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you, John. You're such a good friend!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i almost feel a sadness here...the song is beautiful but makes the speaker feel a melancholy because she misses someone.

lovely images to create the mood...

[Kelly Scheppers]

Perhaps you picked up on me missing them. I had two nestings, one where both squabs were born and flew away. The second time wasn't as fortunate...a raccoon invaded it in the middle of the night and carried both squabs away. The doves mate from early spring to late summer, so with the deterrents my husband has made, I'm hopeful I'll be seeing them again. I've got quite a lot of photos of both parents and babies at close range that I'm pretty proud of. So glad you enjoyed it, J! ...thanks so much.

[Coyote Poetry]

A amazing poem dear Kelly. The sound of birds. Their song can create peace and calm. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Kelly Scheppers]

I've grown quite accustomed to the cooing. It lets me know they are near-by. It's always good seeing you, John...thank you!

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome dear Kelly.