Our Tui

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The Tui arrives
With a cluttering flutter
To proudly pose
A few notes to utter

It croaks as it sings
Many notes can't be heard
A very strange thing
From this noble bird

Soon it is gone
and from a far off spire
We hear it repeat the song
As from an heavenly choir

With white ruff on his throat
He was formerly known
As the "Parson bird"
and, again he has flown !

He never stays long
but croaks and chatters.
We call it a song
It doesn't really matter

It brightens our day
When we hear his song
and step outside to view.
For it won't be for long

He will be off again soon
Taking with him, his song,
Some notes,without tune
we await his return, ere too long.

That white lacy frill
Graces his shoulder
The contrast a thrill
Delighting the beholder

Basically black,
with metallic sheen,
Blues, purple,no lack
and a hint of green

It depends on the light
How much colour is seen
The black becomes bright
with a metallised gleam

Our tui is common
We see him a lot
Always so welcome
and never forgot
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Posted: Aug 2011
About this poem:
The Tui an iconic NZ bird, we have one daily visit our garden

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Comments (13)

andrew149
Wonderfully descriptive piece Scher, I hoped that you would post it instead of leaving it to languish in the comments of your beloved's poem, and I have been rewarded....Thankyou very much for posting it and for the beautiful picture too....Andrew...cool
steve1223
Nice write about a lovely bird
applause applause
niah9
Glad you are feeling better scher.....what a great nurse you had....I almost called the puppy Tui, but she was so quiet and shy...it didn't fit....
great poem, and loved the picture....Kteddybear peace
paloma66
It makes me happy to see you posting again after hibernating,love the Tui and love your poem.So amazinly simple yet descriptive.I told you,you have it in you to write.My poem pales into insignificance,but I am glad my poem made you sit up and respond cause you are the expert on birds.Thank you for sharing your knowledge.lips hug kiss
andrew149
Beg to differ Paloma, but I think that your poetry compliments each other, a perfect fit....I wonder why?....lol...xxx
paloma66
Andrew you are soooo sweet,thank you.My three lines did not do justice to the TUI.I have grown to love this bird,I watch him everyday.Scher is an ornithologist.hug
Scher
Andrew, Thank you so much, your comments are valued and appreciated by us both
handshake
Scher
Steve,

Thank you for your comment, are you familiar with the Tui?
Our birds in NZ are somewhat less colourful than your Australian varieties
wine
Scher
Thank you Niah for your comment, I wrote this to expand upon Paloma's Haiku

Was able to get into the garden and achieve something today
banana
Scher
Paloma, Dear thank you for finding this effort, and your comments, but I think I will stick to gardening, with the occasional foray into doggerel.

heart beating heart wings lips
paloma66
You dont have to underestimate youself my dear,I always thought you good in verse,remember that is how our friendship began.Keep writing.kiss hug
Ladybee42
Doggerel? I think not mister Scher, as you are looking after Paloma nicely and she is happy with you there in nz I'll accept your 'Tui' and raise you a lifetime of happiness. laugh
I'm no card player so don't bluff me now...doh

lovely poem

thumbs up thumbs up
Scher
Ladybee,

Thank you for your comment. I am no card player, so do not have a poker face. WYSIWYG.

A rustic kiwi male, who is interested in Nature, after a lifetime in the Pharmaceutical and Photography Professions.

dunno
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