why does she sing?
she turned 91, the old bird
her life’s mate was just caged in the nursing home
he can’t remember why
his once lengthy repertoire has been reduced to a few, sweet notes
her handicapped son still lives at home
needing her patient care
all he could ever do was chirp
the last of her friends died years ago
their songs now silent
she takes her coffee with younger generations
their noisy squawks sometimes give her a headache
but she never complains
she goes on singing, the old bird
and smiles and laughs
and shares a story
or ten
she sings
not because her life’s bird landed on a beautiful branch
in a flawless tree
she sings
because
as a bird in life’s tree
she can
~
for my Granny, who still tells the best stories and is an avid bird-watcher
~
Words and Photography ©2018 Tanya Cliff ~ to contact me
Posted in poetry & free verse.
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tanyacliff.com 
Beautiful. Profound. Perfect.
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Thank you so much! It was inspired by a remarkable human. I’m glad you liked it.
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Oh, you are mistaken. I didn’t like it. I loved it.
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Haha…Thank you for correcting me! 😊
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LOL
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What a sweet tribute 😍
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Aww…Thank you! I’m glad you liked it. She is a sweet lady. 😊💕
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This is so sweet and precious. Growing old isn’t for the faint-hearted, but if we have joy within us, we can withstand the bitter winds of change and decay.
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Thank you! I am blessed to have her as my example. 😊
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WOW! This is simply sooo BEAUTIFUL.
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I’m so glad you thought so! Thank you! 😊
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This is so profoundly beautiful!!
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Thank you very much! That means a lot to me. 😊
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My pleasure truly 🙂
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Reblogged this on davidbruceblog #2.
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Thank you!
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Well sung, Tanya. People in their nineties tend to be in much better shape than some younger seniors. Singing, or some other passion, makes it happen. I remember the Steve Harvey show last summer with octagenerians.. They each continued to do something they loved. Take care and hug (or sing with) granny, Keith
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Thank you, Keith! I will be sure to do that!
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What a delightful poem for your Granny, Tanya. I think we should all follow her lead, and sing like a bird in life’s tree…because we can! 🙂
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Thank you, Ally! I totally agree. 😊
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my pleasure, Tanya 🙂
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Most beautyful poem n heart touching.say my regard to your G ranny.
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I will do that, Aruna. Thank you!
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Indeed dear!! Welcome😊
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Wonderful, heartwarming, true, and full of love…and song. ❤️
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So glad you liked this, Jennie. She is all of that. 💕😊
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I can tell!
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This is so beautiful, dear Tanya. Heartwarming indeed.
XxX
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Aww…Thank you, Patty! She is amazing. 😊💕
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Exquisite. ❤
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Thank you, Carol! 😊
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