Birdsong After Rain

(Even Mr. Fish famously wrote off this storm)
Still air now silences whispering trees
As nature gathers all her furies to her.
Air pressure builds that none can yet detect,
Not those who play, nor those who walk alone.

Take shelter! This is the calm before the storm.

High in the canopy a blackbird’s feathers ruffle;
It is as though there’s motion in the stillness,
And if you listen to her harsh ‘teep-teep’
It should alert you to her warning call.

Take shelter! Feel the breeze before the squall.

A shroud of cloud, as dark as Blackbird’s plumage
Soon tumbles westward, swallowing the light.
‘Teep-teep’; her warning call vibrates the air –
All other blackbirds shelter in response.

Too late for you – the storm is on its way.

The first few raindrops bend leaves to their will;
Historic oaks strain; ancient trees moult branches;
Nature is choreographed by the wind and rain;
Soon birch, and beech, and larch join in the dance.

Too late! Your fate rests on prevailing winds.

Such lashing, splashing, crashing, crushing of crops,
A motorway river, bridges rubbled – chaos.
The blackbird knew that floods and mayhem were due –
You chose to ignore the blackbird’s warning call.

It’s time! Review the consequences now:

Late home; cold dinner; lost appetite; stress and fatigue;
Car engine splutters into the driveway; relief!
Those once proud trees lie smashed upon the drive;
Rheumatic roots exposed and naked now.

It’s time to notice now the blackbird’s song.

To her delight the clouds give up some space,
Small drops of rain fall down in sparkling strips.
Like tiny diamonds they reflect the light.
Engage your senses – heed the sights and sounds.

It is over! Enjoy the ecstasy of blackbirds.