Centre Stage

(thank you for the inspiration Neville)

once I saw

badgers emerge slowly

from their setts

to forage and feed

upon leftover food scraps

positioned with care

by kind kitchen staff

at the foot of a perfectly

manicured lawn

bordered by bushes

covered with prolific heads

of purple rhododendrons

whose magnificent blooms

shared the glare

of garden spotlights

many eyes peered

through pristine patio glass

on that dark summer night

yet those creatures remained

oblivious that they were

centre stage

badgers at dawn

in your garden today

reminded me

Reviews

[Eilis]

I just read Neville’s badger poem too. I love how animals and nature itself can inspire us without really meaning to. Which is how I feel after reading both of your poems.

We have a family of possums that visit our yard nightly and eat old produce from our compost pile. They, and many other creatures sneak in under cover of night to avoid our gaze, but the impulse to see them sees us sneaking out to catch a glimpse often enough. The dance between the human and animal worlds is such a curious thing. They know enough of us to know to stay away when we are in sight, but we can’t help but be driven together in our separate existences. And seek out ways of catching glimpses into the simplicity of their world.

I love this snapshot you’ve shared, Chris, and how it allows us all to be voyeurs in a sense. One of those rare moments where the two worlds can come together and we can watch the creature in its habit without scaring it off. There’s a peace in this that I really enjoyed this morning. Lovely work.

[Chris Shaw]

Happy that you enjoyed this little memory Eilis, triggered off by Neville's badgers this morning. I love looking at wild life. Thank you for sharing the possums and for your lovely review.

Chris

[Weeping willow]

Love your poem and nature is a gift that should always be held dear. I can only hope we as a people become better care takers of our lovely planet ;-]

[Chris Shaw]

I agree with you Weeping willow. Thank you for your lovely response. You are appreciated.
read moreI agree with you Weeping willow. Thank you for your lovely response. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

I am not sure if there are badgers here about but we have very rarely seen groundhogs.
Our secretive views are basically reserved for 'our?' deer which feel they are entitled to eat everything green and/or colored/shaped like a flower, with usually the most expensive variety eaten first

[Chris Shaw]

Somehow I missed responding to your review Dave. Sending my thanks now. Hope all is good with you.read moreSomehow I missed responding to your review Dave. Sending my thanks now. Hope all is good with you.

Chris

[Fabian G. Franklin]

This was very well written and expressed. I like the way the words seem trimmed to fit the finished product. It's like a tailor or a seamstress fitting a new bit of clothing. Well, you can be proud of the finished garment. I found it lovely. Bless.

[Chris Shaw]

Your comments are very encouraging Fabian. Thank you so much.

Chris

[AJNJ]

Animals can be very amusing when they don’t know they’re being watched. A rare, delightful moment captured perfectly in words. Loved the kindness of people offering them food! I must say this can apply to humans too to a certain extent, just a bit, sometimes. Loved this refreshing poem, Ms. Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Pestonjee and I love your visits. You are appreciated and I am thankful for your encouragement.

Chris

[AJNJ]

I look forward to your new posts, Ms. Chris. It’s always a pleasure to read your varied, observant, thoughtful poetry! Welcome!

[Ana Papaya]

I love the scene here. I often have bunnies and deers visiting my garden and even though I've gotten used to seeing them it's still marvellous to watch them.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ana. I am a bit of a nature freak at heart. Pleased you enjoyed my lines.

Chris