A lone loon
intones a poem
lingering long
across the lake.
Its echoing call’s
a prayer chant.
Summer song
whispered on the water
Lonely loon
listens for his lover
lost in
melancholy memories
of sun sambas on waves.
Haunting ghost calls
as cabins close
and summer dies.
.
.
If you haven’t heard a loon call, here is a nice video that captures the mournful quality of their song:
That is a very eerie call. Now, at least, I know what the sound is. Lovely piece, Shawn.
They are most common in evenings on very quiet lakes. Loons leave when a lake has a lot of traffic. The Canadian one dollar coin has a loon on its face, and is known colloquially as a ‘loonie.’
Ahhh… That’s why it’s called a loonie? I had wondered about that. Well, you learn something new everyday. 🙂
I do my best to spread knowledge where ever I can! 😉
The multiple poetic devices that you have intertwined into this poem succeed on every front to create a lyrical charm. The result when read aloud prompts my standing ovation and encore. Brilliant!
Thank you Mike. I’m very fond of consonance and assonance which tend to be less obvious to the reader, but I was extremely generous with alliteration, which is always a dicey proposition! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Very eerie , almost haunting beautiful poem., Shawn.
Thank you.
Lovely. I noticed your L alliteration which amplifies the loon’s longing.
I’m glad it works! lol
“Sun sambas on waves” – this is a purely adorable vision. I can feel, see and hear a samba on the waves. And the dancing of the sun’s rays. Just lovely.
Thank you!
Shawn,
What beautiful word images.
Thank you for visiting and following. Poetry is a sporadic presence on my blog. I hope you enjoy what you find there.
Blessings,
Kina
I like loons. Poem also 🙂
lol Thanks.
Thank you for following my blog. Yes I love the sound of the Loon. I used to visit a place called ‘Loon Lake’ and your close “as cabins close and summer dies” brings back the feelings of the cycle of the seasons. I am following you as well.
I’m glad it brought back memories for you.
‘summer dies’ .. never heard it before but loved the way you used it 🙂 beautiful work!
Thanks
Another fantastic piece, loved it and the cry of the Loon, reminds of a wolfs howl, so mournful, so full of feeling – but the imagery of it all, makes me want to hop on a plane and visit Canada 🙂 love the wilderness
I haven’t heard a live loon in quite a few years. They’re becoming increasingly rare.
This is such a vivid piece, well done. I hear loons here, on the odd occasion, when walking late at night. An incredibly moving sound.
Lucky you!
Loved the video you attached – the cry of the loon is so beautiful, and somber. I can see why it has such an affect on people. I really enjoyed your poem as well – graceful and melancholic, just like the loon.
Thanks!