Black Cockatoos

While we sleep

on a still, silent morn

black wings steal like shadows

into the mist.

Their cry is like no other –

haunting,

yearning,

searching

for a morning banquet.

They cry out once more

louder, knowing –

this time announcing they’ve found what they were seeking

and they gather like gossipy women

feasting on delicate food and camaraderie.

The bows hang heavy under their weight

as they drape themselves like heavy cloaks

over the hakeas and pine.

Their presence is like that of

black angels

and there is not a sign of

other morning birds.

Then something disturbs them.

They lift

from the trees

and almost touching the roof tops

swing northward and disappear into

the ethereal mist.

Corinne Fenton

This is not the best photo of a black cockatoo in our hakea, but I’m sure you’ll find some wonderful photos of these beautiful birds if you Google them.

Black Cockatoo

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Comments

  1. Sue That's gorgeous! Just love the black cockatoos, Corinne. They raid our almond tree every year! Hope the preparations are going well! x
    June 1, 2011 at 10:39 pm · Reply
    • Corinne Fenton
      corinne An almond tree. How wonderful!
      June 3, 2011 at 7:24 am · Reply
  2. Kaye Baillie The more birds the better I say. We don't have enough around our place. When I see parrots or wrens I always yell out to the kids as they seem so special. I love cockatoos. Our sulphur crested ones are real characters and drop seed balls on us from the liquid amber. Lovely poem, Corinne. I visualised the setting and enjoyed going there! Thanks for another great post.
    June 2, 2011 at 7:08 am · Reply
    • Corinne Fenton
      corinne Yes, we are very lucky as we are surrounded by them although the white cockys are a little noisy especially early in the morning. Love the eastern spinebills, kookburras, swallows, finches, wrens, parrots and currawongs.
      June 3, 2011 at 7:23 am · Reply
  3. Chris Bell Beautiful poem, Corinne. I was right there in the garden . I especially love "gather like gossipy women" and "drape themselves like heavy cloaks". Thank you. Chris :)
    June 3, 2011 at 10:29 am · Reply
    • Corinne Fenton
      corinne Thanks Chris. Have included them in a story today too, which is good.
      June 4, 2011 at 9:41 pm · Reply
  4. vimax Considerably, this post is really the sweetest on this notable topic. I harmonise with your conclusions and will thirstily look forward to your incoming updates. Saying thanks will not just be sufficient, for the phenomenal clarity in your writing. I will directly grab your rss feed to stay informed of any updates. Admirable work and much success in your business dealings!  Please excuse my poor English as it is not my first tongue.
    July 22, 2011 at 2:31 am · Reply
    • Corinne Fenton
      corinne Thank you. You have made an excellent effort with your English, especially as it is not your first language.
      July 27, 2011 at 8:26 am · Reply

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