Pantomime

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._N._Taber

In my 70’s now, I was still in my 20’s when I wrote today’s poem, recently but only slightly revised from the version that appears in my first collection, Love and Human Remains.

I have always felt a close affinity with nature, not just the poet in me either, but an inner self that wearied long ago of asking folks what life is really all about; I may have found few answers in nature, but it left me asking more questions simply for engaging with its delightful pantomimes... all year round, available to everyone, no entrance fee requires, but audience support always much appreciated. 

PANTOMIME 

On wings of sunlight
glides a sparrow, seeking
a friendly haven 

Dwarfed by a passing gull,
it seems to take fright 

Watching sparrow soar
into an indifferent sky, tiny
and alone... 

Booing the gull for laying
enchantment bare 

On wings of sunlight
drops a lark into a leafy
sycamore

And it’s on with the motley,
music and more...! 

Fickle hearts clapping, 
like a sparrow’s wings at gull’s
careless outrage 

Oh, and whose turn next, 
to grab centre-stage? 

Copyright R. N. Taber 1974; rev. 2021

[Note: The original version of this poem this poem appears in my first collection, Love and Human Remains, Assembly Books, 2001; it has been only recently slightly but significantly revised.] RT