I am a great lover of birds and have recently published a fictionalised account of a bird I raised as a girl called The Christmas Bird. It is a micro read of 5 600 words and is aimed at children.
Revisiting my memories of raising a Hoopoe bird, triggered memories of a small part of a peacock romance I witnessed while visiting the Drakensburg in September 2020. That was our first trip away anywhere that year of lockdowns and Covid. I wrote that memory into this 99 syllable poem.
Peacock romance
Dowdy and plain in brown,
she stands and watches,
her prospective mate as he crosses the lawn,
blissfully unaware,
of her thoughtful stare.
He cuts a fine figure,
resplendent in blue,
this despite his splendid tail dragging behind
Glancing up, he spots her,
it’s love at first sight
In a show of interest,
she descends the stairs,
Passion ignited, his tail spreads out fanlike,
Overwhelmed, he takes off,
with her in pursuit.
My good blogging friend, Teagan Riordain Geneviene, is also a bird lover. She recently hosted a book fair that featured books that had birds as characters or supporting characters. You can visit Teagan’s lovely post here: https://teagansbooks.com/2022/11/23/birds-of-a-feather-book-fair/
roberta-writes.com 
I love Hoopoe birds. Is your book published?
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It is, Darlene. At Amazon, or through a link at my book fair post.
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Thanks, Teagan. It’s now on my Kindle. xo
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Hi Darlene, yes, it is on KDP and Kindle Unlimited as an ebook only. I am very fond of birds.
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It’s on my Kindle now. xo
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Thank you, Darlene. That story is a favourite of mine. A bit Little House.
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A beautiful poem and photos.
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Thank you, Bella
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Congratulations on “The Christmas Bird” story, Robbie! And that’s an excellent poem about your 2020 memory!
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HI Dave, I’m glad you enjoyed. I’ve been lucky enough to have a few interesting experiences with birds.
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I’ve read The Christmas Bird. It’s a lovely story, Robbie!
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Thank you, Priscilla.
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Your poetry always gives me joy, Robbie.
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HI Rebecca, that makes me very happy. Hugs.
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This is delightful!
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This was delightful, Robbie.
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Thank you, Jennie
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You’re welcome, Robbie.
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Ah, the mating dance . . .
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It was great fun to watch, Liz. A real privilege.
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Robbie your poem is an absolute delight. What a smile you gave me. The photos are gorgeous. Thanks for sharing this lovely memory with us. I appreciate you boosting the book fair too. Hugs.
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HI Teagan, I am delighted to do so. I really love birds and this seemed a good fit to boost your post.
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This poem captures a teenage romance! 😊 Well done Robbie. Lovely pictures complement your poem.
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Thank you, Balroop. I enjoyed watching this pair.
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I don’t think I’d want to be in the way of two love struck peacocks! I will check out Teagan’s event!
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HI Jan, I hope you are feeling better. This was good fun to watch (from a distance).
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That was so well done, Robbie. And I loved the beautiful photos!
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Hi Mae, I’m glad you enjoyed this post. It was great fun to watch.
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Peacocks are such splendid birds! Great post!
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Thank you, Jan
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The male peacock running away with the female in pursuit was cute. Lovely story!
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Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed this.
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This made me smile Robbie. (K)
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Thank you, Kerfe. It was fun to watch.
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Beautiful I love peacocks.
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Thank you, Timothy, they are very beautiful.
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funny how the male is the flamboyant one, most male birds have the colours.
I think he was late for a very important date…..and It wasn’t with her.
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Hi Wayne, it was most amusing to watch. The male birds are always the beautiful ones.
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Peacocks have always fascinated me the male of the species is always the most flamboyant of birds it must have been great to watch them…after reading your poem I now have an image of the lady in pursuit…smile…x
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Carol, this was so amusing to watch. I stood there watching and taking pictures for ages. Such a privilege.
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Lovely moments to remember, Robbie 🙂 x…I hope all goes well for Michael today x
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Hi Carol, the news was positive today. Thank you 🙏
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That’s great news, Robbie I am so happy for Michael(and) you x
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It is a great relief. I hope things are going okay on your side.
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They are not doing Laurens bone infusions until after Christmas they are recommencing the tummy implants and the other treatment and monitoring her but waiting on the BRCA results as if positive it will change the treatment required…its like a merry go round xx
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Very difficult for you and all your family. I know the waiting is the worst part.
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A peacock! How brilliant, Robbie. Many congratulations on the new book. 💜
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Hi Colleen, I’m so pleased you enjoyed this poem.
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It was fabulous. I was surprised in such a good way. 😍
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I very much enjoyed your poem about peacocks in love as well as the pictures:) Many thanks Roberta
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HI Martina, lovely to see you. I’m glad you enjoyed this poem and post. I was quite mesmerized by these birds when this happened.
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A beautiful bird and well crafted poem! Nicely done, Robbie!
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Thank you, Mark. It was great fun to watch.
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I liked this one a lot, Robbie. I smiled at the “blissfully unaware” male peacock. Why should the bird world be any different than the human version? 🤣🤣🤣
Is the Christmas Bird available for purchase yet?
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HI Pete, yes, the Christmas Bird is available on Amazon Kindle Unlimited and KDP – my first publication on that platform – I am pleased with myself. And yes, males are males, whatever the species.
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A fun post! I like how you get us to empathize with the peacocks, cheering them on! Teagan’s abundance of creative energy amazes me.
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Hi JoAnna, these birds were great to watch. Teagan is very talented. I learn a lot from her artwork and also her writing.
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Peacocks are gorgeous, Robbie, and I enjoyed your photo story and poem. (I also enjoyed The Christmas Bird.)
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Thank you, Norah, I’m so pleased you like my bird memories and stories.
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🙂
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Those birds really are cocky. 🙂 I love that you did a poem.
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Hi Chel, I love birds and this was a great little story.
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