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‘V’ is For Fall

‘V’ is for fall, living arrows on a southward spiral, pointing out the obvious – Autumn arrives with strings attached. Snows and North Gales are on the end of that umbilical cord, so ‘V’ is for fall;  fowlish flesh make haste for calmer climes, honking farewell to natal stars, leaving cracked eggshells as a deposit…

‘V’ is for fall,

living arrows on a southward spiral,

pointing out the obvious –

Autumn arrives with strings attached.

Snows and North Gales

are on the end of that umbilical cord,

so ‘V’ is for fall;

 fowlish flesh

make haste for calmer climes,

honking farewell

to natal stars,

leaving cracked eggshells

as a deposit

guaranteeing spring.

*

I live beneath an incredible migratory path – this time of year, the skies are resonant with honks and wings of untold number.  Their annual pilgrimage marks the seasons for the mortals who toil beneath their flight path.

Responses to “‘V’ is For Fall”

  1. Caddo Veil

    I absolutely adore this one, Melody! In my young years, I lived up north (not quite to Canada, but close enough) and heard that haunting sound of birds headed south too. Occasionally here, I think I hear a bit of it too–but it could be bats in my belfry, I never know for sure. God bless you–love, Caddo

    1. melodylowes

      Do your belfry bats honk, too? 😉

      1. Caddo Veil

        Yep, mostly in the mornings!

      2. melodylowes

        🙂

  2. Alastair

    Must be great to watch them flying overhead. It’s just a shame that not all of them make it to their destinations.

    1. RoSy

      The price of gas is just to high…

      1. melodylowes

        ha ha 🙂

      2. Alastair

        Yep

    2. melodylowes

      So true! They fly the gauntlet, for sure… But there is something absolutely breathtaking about seeing thousands upon thousands of birds fly overhead! Haven’t gotten a good shot of a huge flock yet, but I’m on the lookout!

      1. Alastair

        I look forward to the photo if manage to get it

      2. melodylowes

        Had a perfect chance yesterday, with literally thousands of birds – and had left my camera at home! 😦 😦

      3. Alastair

        I had that with a hawk or a kestrel a few weeks back, It was just hovering there looking for prey. Very annoying when that happens

      4. Alastair

        I had that with a hawk or a kestrel a few weeks back, It was just hovering there looking for prey. Very annoying when that happens

      5. melodylowes

        I guess one should hang a camera around one’s neck, because ‘real life’ happens continually! 🙂

      6. Alastair

        Yep. I normally never go out without my camera. I feel underdressed .

      7. melodylowes

        What a great way to put it! That camera becomes an extension of self almost, doesn’t it?

      8. Alastair

        It does. I have a backpack with my camera, three lenses, 28 filters, spare battery, two spare memory cards, sun shield, cheat sheets, puffer, cotton buds, cloths and fine brush

      9. melodylowes

        Whoa – consider me one-upped! 🙂

      10. Alastair

        LOL. No, I still want more stuff. I want an external flash and a few other bits, a longer lens, but they cost money. I have recently subscribed to a magazine here in the UK that gave away a 5-in-1 reflector

      11. melodylowes

        Gotta love the give-aways! Sounds like you have a good set-up, though – snap away!

      12. Alastair

        🙂

  3. ivonprefontaine

    Your poem and picture made me think of Mary Oliver and Wendell Berry’s poems about wild geese. We are starting to see them gather and signal the arrival of colder weather.

    1. melodylowes

      It’s definitely that time of year!

  4. RoSy

    Too bad we don’t have wings! I’d fly south for the winter too 😉

    1. melodylowes

      I’d be right after you, guaranteed!!

  5. Debbie

    I love this, Melody! The perfect autumn post, seeing those geese going south. God bless you!

    1. melodylowes

      Thanks Debbie! 🙂

  6. My Wyoming Adventure

    We had some flying south here, too. They are so beautiful in flight.

    1. melodylowes

      Are they ever! I love to hear that honking – it helps us to mark the time well!

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