Nurture

grebes on the river
take turns to incubate
precious eggs inside a nest

balanced on a platform between
two half submerged branches
built with utmost diligence

a supported floating platform
where one of a pair labours over
impending hatches, warming, turning

while the other dives for fish
for its mate's breakfast or seeks further
fresh material to nest strengthen

they work in perfect partnership
periodically changing roles
i do not question, but smile

whenever i observe nature
close up and personal
i know we have lost the plot

Reviews

[Robert Trakofler]

you I doubt have ever lost your plot tho Christine the Rhyming Queen. You are the nurturer of so many and of the words you write too. The waves of your nurture are myriad... I always say and I believe this more than a line can express the true measurement of a life well spent is how many lives we have touched. when we face the divinity that is the only wealth we will held to account! me thinks you will need a Brinx truck

[Chris Shaw]

Bunny, this is such a lovely, warm review. You have put a smile on my face and I thank you. In fact I can't thank you enough for your very generous thoughts :))

Chris

[Relic]

I don't suppose they have arguments about who's taking the garbage out this time or who's paying for the extra twigs. :)

[Chris Shaw]

You are so right:)) It was great to watch them up close. A real treat. They just got on with it. Thanks Tim. All good wishes.

Chris

Chrus

[Fran Marie]

After observing how caring animals are in nurturing their own we pale by comparison. so it seems; we have indeed lost the
plot..Nice Work Chris

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Fran Marie. Appreciate your thoughts and your visit. All good wishes.

Chris

[R.E. Ray]

Seems every species but ours is primarily focused on perpetuating its species. Humans seem focused on themselves to the detriment of all others. Yes, we’ve “lost the plot.” :)

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Robert. You thoughts are always appreciated. Thanks for checking this one out.

Chris



Thoughts here. Thanks for your visit :)

[Eilis]

The natural world has so many lessons to share. The sharp focus of animals in their intention and unfailing purpose, and that shared nurturing are so inspiring. What I love about birds is their bravery. They seem willing to face seemingly insurmountable odds to keep the circle going.

We had a sparrow that made a nest in our garage one spring. Watching her dance of nurturing was fascinating, and seeing how resourceful and committed she was. We could learn much from the simple creatures, yes.

I love your message here, Chris. I think a lot about how we got to where we are as a species--alone/apart from the rest of the natural world, and as such able to destroy the beauty with little regard for anything outside of our immediate need.

Thank you for bringing the contrast to the fore for us in the poem. I do love the way your observations translate into poetry.

[Chris Shaw]

Your reviews are always so thoughtful Eilis. I always look forward to them. Thank you and for sharing your own experiences of nature.

Chris

[Benita-Staebell M - Kin..]

Mates friends companions
lovers working together
balance and beauty
and grace in nature.

balanced on a platform between
two half submerged branches
built with utmost diligence.


So beautiful how
you describe nature
nicely penned

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Benita for your lovely review. Your visit most appreciated.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

kind of haiku like .. especially the first verse .. i think your poem does a fine job of describing the grebes habitat and habits .. i am inspired to learn more of them .. we can find so many fine things in Nature to emulate and nurturing is certainly one of the best ... tragic twist for your human pair .. closing leaves me feeling a certain coldness in need of repair ;(
reading also brings to mind the crocodile caring for her eggs ..amazing how she has such a fine sense of temperature and controlling it ... hmmmmmm how can i carry this nurturing behavior with me today .. hmmmmmmmm take care of me doggies ... tell Norma i love her ... hmmmmmmm and maybe some deep breathing for peace on Earth ;) your observations put me at the riverside .. watching your grebes from secret :)
E.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Mr E for another welcome visit with your deep thoughts. We can indeed learn much from nature :) I like how you intend to see what you can nurture today. I have done the same, and my grandson is certainly fussing over me. Two cups of tea today already. All good wishes.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

my this is so good...what a great allegory...
Working in perfect partnership makes a relationship work so well...humans have seemed to forget this.
The "I" gets in the way of the "We"---
smart write, my friend.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Jacob. The river makes you look at things from a different angle. Pleased you enjoyed this one.

Chris

[Jibey]

Your observations of the natural world are charming and eye-opening... So many lessons to learn.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jibey. The more I look at wild life, the more I know we have much to learn. Always appreciate your time and visits.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

The ending was quite unexpected and powerful as this descriptive poem flowed with the gentility of nature then you drove us into a wall of conscience.

[Chris Shaw]

I love how you say "you drove us into a wall of conscience". That is exactly what I was aiming for. Those grebes never left the nest unattended. A month later I watched them with their two chicks, doting parents. They know how to nurture. Many thanks John.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Do grebes gribbit?

[Chris Shaw]

What a thought. They certainly have a high pitched call. Rabbits rabbit on so I guess grebes could gribbit :)