This poem has the rhyme and the great imagery, but Patricia's style is somewhat different in this wonderful poem she submitted last week... - poetheart 04/28/02
Perched high on the thickest horizontal branch
In a lofty oak with not one leaf
A peculiar silhouette arrives at dawn
To depart each springtime eve.
It tries to sleep the whole day through
But peeks as if to think--
Maybe a rabbit or field mouse will stray
From their burrow to take a drink.
Weightiness cracks the dead tree's branch
Then his odd neck pivots, his head appears unset
He leaps unfurled- to another limb that will balance him,
In the wind without a net.
He naps like an elderly gentleman
And occasionally spreads his great wings to stretch and yawn
Then winks again with his widened eye
To acknowledge the doe and fawn
That bow with grace as they lower their face
And graze below him out on the lawn.
The pointy claws and pointed ears make this creature appear half cat
Aloof independence with a knowing scowl
Make him nearly feline, but its clearly fowl,
This weird but wonderful giant bird
An eerie, wise old owl.
by Patricia Lynn