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Monday, October 29, 2018

THIS BIRD


I saw someone
who looked a lot like you
before you went crazy

but it was only from pictures

that I saw the resemblance

for as long as I knew you

you 
were a little off
but I just chalked it up
as part of the cost of loving

but there comes a point

of diminishing returns
on one's investment
so you cut your losses
before they cut into you 


the song of the cuckoo
as she flies over her nest
will bombard my heart
with second thoughts
but last impressions 
are always more telling

who have you been
for lo these many lives
and how many people
are crying quietly inside you?

You wanted me to be your knight

but I can't save you from the demons
that will one day drag you screaming
to your own private hell

24 comments:

  1. I love your opening on this difficult poem. Written beautifully!

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    1. Thanks so much, Sara. A few days shy of Halloween, I thought this would be the time to post it.

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  2. Cuckoos are known to lay their eggs in other bird species' nests … They don't know and will never know, how to a parent and how to be a parent … Cuckoo babies will then proceed to kill their "adoptive" siblings … They don't know better and will never know how to be a better sibling or friend or lover, because that's what they do. Purebred, Inbred, Halfbreed ... It is what it is, Tim Schaefer. Anyway ... "Excellent poem, and lots of food for thought" says this cat. Always, cat.

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    1. I knew there was a reason why they named it "cuckoo"

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  3. I like the opening line and cutting your losses before they cut into you.

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  4. This is so sensitive in its experience and meaning — that stanza of "diminishing returns" is so biting and harsh, but it narrates the practical dimensions of this reality. This is so effective: "how many people/are crying quietly inside you?"
    A thought-provoking write!
    -HA

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  5. I have known people like this and had to cut my losses.

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    1. Have you ever seen an actual glowing demon suddenly replace another person's face? I have, but only once. With the subject of this poem.

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    2. I have seen that. It is frightening to watch.. In previous times the person was recommended to undergo an exorcism to rid them of their demons.Now a'possessed'
      person is prescribed medication.

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    3. Sorry for the delayed response, Rall. Yes, we should bring back exorcisms and give priests something constructive to do.

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  6. A heart bombarded with the song of the cuckoo.. Well, it's cuckoo season in my parts. I do listen out for them every spring.

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  7. This is poem wrapped up in paper that is deceptive for the pain. The words are simple, cutting, clear - and paint an image that is hard, but sensitive - to witness, and certainly, to live. And I like how you've layered this, with meaning, by using word play and metaphors, like the "cuckoo" ... and it definitely speaks to the book, and of course, the movie. The shadows of self play hide and seek in far too many in this world; it can be tough to know how to witness and when to know it's time, to let go.

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    1. You always bring some fresh insight...I savor your comments. Good to hear from you again!

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    2. Good to see you "out and about" too - it's been awhile, it seems :)

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  8. I especially connect with the last 2 stanzas.

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  9. The poem is remarkable in its sadness... how shall we handle those who leave for themselves...

    The title made me think of Norwegian Wood, and when I read the lyrics it made even more sense... wonder that was your intention.

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  10. Wow. An incredible poem of deep sadness and survival. the last stanza blows my head back.

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    1. That was the fire breathing dragon that I escaped from just in the nick of time. :)

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  11. Wow, I fled from a man like that.

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    1. Hope all is well now. And thanks for coming by.

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