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It took me quite a while to be able to write about Lil Dad. I'm still not happy with this, but I'll keep fine tuning it forever if I don't just say "it's done." Our Lil Dad was a once in a lifetime bird. There will never be another.
A Poem Dressed in Feathers
By Sue Hannon
In the still of early morning,
His bugle cry rang out
As launching upwards from his perch
He gave a raucous shout.
A flash, a glimpse, and he was gone
Over the station roof.
In seconds he was back, though,
Carrying the proof
Of his devotion to the downy chicks
Shrilling calls of urgent need
Half orphaned but well parented
He met their every need.
In the golden light of evening
He streaked across the sky
A poem dressed in feathers,
Like lightning flashing by.
Swooping low, soaring high,
Wheeling left and right
Then racing straight upside the wall
Ever up, ‘til out of sight.
Displaying unmatched flight skill
To attract a new young mate
He danced the sky and brought her gifts
To show his worth so great.
On a quiet Sunday afternoon
His calling rent the air.
A battle cry, a warning
His home he would not share.
And fiercely he defended
His home, his chicks, his nest.
With all his skill he fought until
He proved himself the best.
Then landed on the point and
Casually began to preen.
Brought every single feather
To a perfect healthy sheen.
For sixteen years he ruled the sky
Above this river town.
But it’s little things that come to mind
When I think about him now
Presenting prey so eagerly
When the first egg was barely pipped
Poised atop the steeple,
For a moonrise silhouette
Playing tag above our heads
With a pair of fledgling lads
An extraordinary falcon
Our beloved Little Dad.
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