Word-Bird presents...
Sing Pigeons Sing
~ a selection ~
Club Met
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Please listen to the song of the wood pigeon here.
The song heard in our garden comprises three utterances of the five--note call, with a slightly longer time lapse between the fourth and fifth notes in utt. 3.
W.-B. notation through verses: O-o-o-O-o-o-O-o-o-O-o-o
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Sing pigeons sing as the sun starts to rise,
perching on pine trees so close to the skies,
watching the world wake with amber-rimmed eyes,
sing pigeons sing your sweet tune…
Ooo ooo oo-ooo oo-
Ooo ooo oo-ooo oo-
Ooo ooo oo-ooo…
Oo.
Sing pigeons sing as the sun courses high,
rounding an oak with its limbs swept awry,
sailing on silver wings shimmering by,
sing pigeons sing your sweet tune…
Ooo ooo oo-ooo oo-
Ooo ooo oo-ooo oo-
Ooo ooo oo-ooo…
Oo.
Sing pigeons sing as the sun sets to night,
roosting in chestnut trees warmed by rose light,
snuggling for bedtime in robes grey and white,
sing pigeons sing your sweet tune…
Ooo ooo oo-ooo oo-
Ooo ooo oo-ooo oo-
Ooo ooo oo-ooo…
Oo.
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by Fliss; published in The Dirigible Balloon, March 2023
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W.-B.’s intro: “Here is the first poem of three in the pigeon portfolio I am glad to present in this, our 1st birthday issue. Woo-hoo!“
Fliss’s notes: “Thank you kindly, Word-Bird, and thanks to Jonathan Humble, Editor of The Dirigible Balloon. I was very happy to place the poem! I composed it many moons ago, perhaps during one of my first springs in our current residence. We’re fortunate to have wonderful views of the communal garden, which is blessed with many mature trees and, therefore, plenty of birdlife.
“I love to listen to birdsong, whether I’m bedridden or shuffling around our apartment. The song of the wood pigeon has always been my favourite, as I just find it very soothing. Somewhere I have a music file with the tune to fit the poem; I think it’s in 3/8, possibly 6/8, with a little rubato so it isn’t all straight quavers. If I have time over the coming month, I’ll look for it! Thanks again, W.-B., for choosing this poem for Club Met as our first example of a Waltzer 1 and as the starting point for the selection.“
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Sleep pigeons sleep
Sleep pigeons sleep in your feathery nests,
amber eyes closed while the golden sun rests,
robes fitting snugly as two thermal vests,
lit by the light of the moon...
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by Meter Reader; a new work
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W.-B.’s intro: “I am delighted to present this short poem by Meter Reader, our first member of Club Met. Welcome!“
Meter Reader’s notes: “The delight is all mine, I can assure everyone. I have come rather late to poetry, but I do so enjoy it. I should say, I have returned, as I studied English Literature during my schooldays. That was a very long time ago, when we were using quill-and-ink sets. So I’m making a rather tentative beginning with the above response to a task set by Felicity and Word-Bird, and I’m grateful for their patience with me.“
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A Pigeon Sang
All through the winter, the waking was hard.
Sleep brought the chance she might see him again.
Each day, the darkness hung over the yard,
each day, the cold and the miserable rain.
One day she woke to the sound of a bird,
singing of springtime, it seemed, with its coo.
Then came another, and shortly a third,
wood-pigeons calling from skies of bright blue.
She rose that morning with peace in her heart,
thankful for this and that, nothing and all,
still a bit wintry, but making a start,
hearing a robin, too, starting to call.
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by Cath; also a new work
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W.-B.’s intro: “We conclude the selection with this beautiful poem by Cath, who is also welcome! Our thanks to Cath for sharing.“
Cath’s notes: “Thank you so much, Felicity and W.-B.! It has been so lovely to work with you and I hope to continue. I’m enjoying it and am happy I decided to try. And I loved this task, I just have so many connections in my mind now, about pigeons, and birds, and everything. Really looking forward to writing again!“
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And thus endeth the birthday issue! As always, the tiny team has been happy to put together our zine, and we’re thankful to all the contributors for agreeing to be featured. Heartfelt thanks to our readers too, and we wish everyone an April of awakenings, however these may come to you.
Our best wishes,
Fliss
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Barb | Claudia | David | Ethan | Gail | John | Janet | Janice | Mark | Melissa | Mike | Paul | Steven | Susan
