Poem on a Post-It [5]: Starlings of Sherwood Forest
This morning I sat in a treetop sauna in the middle of Sherwood Forest (of Robin Hood fame, in case the non-local folk are wondering where they’ve heard of it).
Watching from a full height glass window across the forest canopy, I was treated to a magnificent display as thousands of starlings gathered together in their winter murmuration right outside. Utterly captivated, I checked the pocket of my robe for my notebook and pen, and as soon as they had passed beyond my line of sight, I found a comfortable seat, cosied up under a blanket, and allowed my pen to attempt to capture a few words that might record those wondrous minutes.
Here is the result:
they draw their dream across the sky
high above the winter wood,
pivoting, pirouetting
they paint in light and dark.
directionless?
no, predetermined, this dance
of destiny
they call to me
not a murmur
with perfect clarity
‘come’ they say
‘follow,
dare to dance and dream’
my pen, now, traces the shapes
they seared among the clouds
like them, I rise
and turn
and soar
For today’s prompt, I invite you to observe movement in any form, for example:
a dog chasing his tail in the park
ducks and geese gathering at a feeding spot
a child’s excited dance
fingers moving across a keyboard
Watch for the rhythms, repeated movements, direction changes
Is there anything about it that is pleasing to the eye?
Where does your mind dance away to as you observe?
Do feel welcome to share what comes out for you in the comments, I’d love to read it!
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