Features
Related Photos
-
Martha Knies poses with her recent prizes. Submitted Photo
Tools
Martha Knies’ rhyme scheme helps her win a slice of pie, bag of bird seed
Winner of our annual bird poetry contest is Martha Knies of Wimberley. I drove to her lovely hilltop home and delivered a pie from the Wimberley Pie Company. (She first chose strawberry rhubarb but that seasonal variety was not available, so she settled on a lattice-top cherry.) She also received 20 pounds of black oil sunflower seeds.
And, at her special request, I gave her a copy of my book, “Chirps...a collection of birding wit and wisdom from wee Wimberley.” Here is her winning poem:
A Song for
the Soul
I saw a pretty songbird
Perched high up in a tree.
He tossed his head from side to side,
Oblivious to me.
He sang and sang...a melody
That thrilled me with its harmony.
Then, flying to a nearby tree,
He glanced around and spotted me.
He cocked his head as if to say,
“And who are you this glorious day?”
“I’m your friend – a friend indeed,
The one who scatters grain and seed.
One who enjoys your lovely song
That brings me pleasure all day long.”
I feared that he might fly away –
“Just one more song,” I softly pray.
He must have heard my silent prayer,
For another song soon filled the air.
Its notes brought feelings so sublime,
I felt my soul begin to climb.
All too soon, he flew from sight,
And joined a flock in hasty flight.
But the memory of the glorious song
Was fresh inside me all day long.
My spirits soared, my smile returned.
What a precious gift – and all unearned!
I hope you enjoyed this poetic gem and I congratulate Martha on her successful entry. To those of you who sent in poems, please know they were all great and all appreciated; I hope to use more in future columns.
- Features
-
-
Return of the Hummers
It’s time to get your hummingbird feeders up. While a few lucky folks have hosted over-wintering hummers, most of us will be seeing our first returning birds during this month.
-
Randy Rogers Band nominated for ACM 'Vocal Group of the Year'
Kent Finlay’s response is simple.
He told you so back in 2001. -
A Spring Sampling
The sun was shining down in a way it hadn’t in a while across my backyard over the weekend.
-
Skirt steak in for spring season
I’ve got a confession. Sometimes, meat speaks to me. The most recent conversation we had was when I made a quick trip to the grocery store to restock bananas.
-
Salmon dish packed with moist flavor
From Lorain County Joint Vocational School's culinary teacher, Tim Michitsch, and two of his students, comes this great Lenten meal, filled with taste and containing absolutely no meat.
-
'Dealing With Life'
Returning to San Marcos, Second Act Troupe presents “Dealing with Life” featuring three comic one act plays.
-
Couple to share stories about Turkmenistan experience
Former San Marcos Public Library staff member Gary Goodson and his wife Robin Wilson will share stories and photos about their two-year-stay in Turkmenistan at 7 p.m. tonight at the public library.
-
State parks inviting kids to 'Go Fish!'
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department wants to make it easier for Texans to go fishing and this year has renamed and expanded its learn-to-fish initiative to include dozens of special springtime events being held at 13 state parks throughout Texas.
-
Empowering Young Women
San Marcos native Seleena Smith learned a lot from her late grandparents, Jewell and Alice Hemphill.
-
Birding with Jerry Hall: Learning the art of being persistent
- More Features Headlines
-
