Coal Tit...

: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : The tiny bird stayed gently perched, Still unidentified, Until its plumage gets researched, From photos seen worldwide. Its head, of course, looks black as coal, Distinctive in its way, Like other birds, it plays its role, Its nature to obey. Its front is black as coal as well, White cheeks adorn its face, Then meet the white chest for a spell, Then beige comes to replace. The legs and feet are grey in tone, Just as the wings and tail, Upon that bird perched on its own, A dainty thing so frail. And yet, to me, this bird is new, As one not seen before, Put on my list of birds I view, To thus increase my score. I take a photo suddenly, And smile at God's design, Until that bird then flies from me, For food on which to dine. Denis Martindale. October 2021. A poem based on a magnificent wildlife painting, by UK wildlife artist Stephen Gayford celebrating birds still 'free as birds' studied across the world.