March 09, 2021. For several years, our yard has been graced by a delightful pink flamingo patiently staying wherever last placed, yet seldom immobile – true to her design, she swirled left, right with even minute breeze and somehow that triggered the bobbing of head which always seemed to me a nod of acceptance. I took that as a model. And thus in February this poem wrote itself in my head while I stood transfixed by the rhythmic-yet-unpredictable sways.
I’m posting today to honor the flamingo, who sadly had a different sort of appeal to our new dog Ramble, still puppy-enough to want to chew just about anything. Ramble is forgiven. Flamingo is missed. I’ve collaged seasonal views of the flamingo – last spring amid the pond irises and a couple of weeks ago in the snow.
stepsandpauses 
Outstanding, Jazz! Just stellar poetry!
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Thank you, Leah.
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Wonderful, Jazz! Sorry to hear that the flamingo is no physically with you but it lives in your heart and in your poetry!! Thank you!
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Lisa, thanks – I can close my eyes and see the nodding, swerving head … likely a permanent memory! I don’t recall where, but a few months back I saw this same yard art for sale somewhere … maybe when Ramble is a bit more mature I’ll have Flamingo #2.
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I love this! “Grateful to be standing stuck in place”…..Interesting comparison of the flamingo and you and your husband both stuck in place and patiently nodding. And the fact that there is change (flamingo no longer here) and the sameness of being stuck in place, being patient. I get a peaceful feeling from reading this. Also love the photos of the flamingo with flowers and then in snow.
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Betty, thank you – interesting how metaphors appear when I stand still and observe. Interesting how a small kitchen creates opportunities to stand still and observe. The flamingo always left me with a peaceful feeling – good to hear that came though the poem.
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Lovely poem. Sad about the flamingo, but presumably you can get another one, after Ramble has been trained.
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Thank you – yes, no new flamingos anytime soon! By 2yrs or so Labradors outgrow the chewing urges, so maybe Spring 2022. Ramble’s assumed to be a little over one year old now – no one really sure, of course.
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A lovely reflection on the swirling currents of time–and gratefulness.
Puppies certainly do like to chew. My daughter’s pitbull puppy (I guess she’s not technically a puppy anymore) will eat anything–lots of trips to the animal ER with her!
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Merrill, thank you – Ramble is my 2nd dog (Buttercup, now almost 13 was my first) and I am clearly still in adjustment mode – Ramble likes to BARK. I am essentially a cat person, preferring purrs. But Buttercup is so enjoying Ramble! And husband so enjoys dogs AND cats. And I so enjoy a happy husband. I am adjusting. I am adjusting. I am adjusting.
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Hahaha. It sounds like my daughter’s story, except that the puppy is really her dog. 😀
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Beautiful tribute to an old friend, Jazz. The part of your poem that touched me was you sharing your space with your ‘other’. That concept resounds with me as my husband is recovering from surgery and we are even more confined now than just regular pandemic confinement – but I wouldn’t want to do this with anyone but him. 🙂 We did get out to get our first vaccine yesterday! Woo hoo!
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LuAnne, thanks – the poem emerged for husband, flamingo just a catalyst while collecting my thoughts. I thought I’d reposition the flamingo for a video of the bobbing head … but didn’t get around to it before Ramble discovered her own attraction to the bobbing head.
Glad to hear your vaccine status – we got our first shot 2 weeks ago today – waiting now for call to come get 2nd.
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They used to have hundreds of live Pink Flamingoes at Brookfield Zoo in Chicago. Now there is not a single one there.
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The live ones are not so stuck-in-place (unless their wings are clipped) – I’ve seen the real bird several times, but never up close, and never hundreds together. That would be memorable, worthy a poem!
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Wonderful contrasting photos, and I love how the flamingo plays a role in monitoring the currents. The rewrite of the old song so apt for many now, locked in together. Might hum a few tunes myself here.
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Thank you, VJ. I put various “mantras” to the tune of row, row, row your boat … A year back I was singing “wash, wash, wash those hands / every chance you get / thoroughly, thoroughly, thoroughly, thoroughly / soapy bubbles wet” as a timer each time I washed my hands.
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Certainly keeps things lighter. Welcome.
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Jazz,
I like the observations and gratitude in your poem. The photos are great.
I finally shared your poem on my site today. Thank you for letting me share it with my readers. I know they will enjoy it greatly.
Sending you wishes of wellness and peace.
Ali
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Ali, thank you – for feedback on my poetry and for your catalyst activities drawing poets together.
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You are so welcome. It is a joy for me to hold space for others.❤️
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Hi Jazz, I’m over here from Ali’s site and her ‘writing circle’s’ … enjoyed your delightful poem.. and here now I am following site.. Cheers. Ivor…Haha, I have a penguin in my courtyard..
“A Cool Penguin
During these days of low tides
I am again to be shut inside
Today, there is more reasons than one
My courtyard’s devoid of springs sun
And there are only raindrop ripples
On the grounds expanding puddles
And standing there in the pouring rain
Drinking the wet sky, like cascading champagne
Was Phillip the penguin, wryly smiling
And splashing in the cool pool under his webbing
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Ivor, we’re kindred spirits – love your penguin poem! With a name, yet. I’m impressed.
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Yes ‘Phillip’ after nearby Port Phillip Island, our local sanctuary for Fairy Penguins 🐧🐧
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I love it, sometimes we learn big lessons from what we don’t really think we would. Thank you for this writing:)
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Thank you!
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I love the transition to
“Grateful to be standing stuck-in-place / with this man”
Hopefully there’s’ no chewing!
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No chewing? I’m chuckling. None from the man. LOTS from the new dog, still puppy in spite of size. She and older dog chew on one another in wild romp/rolls (apparently most pleasurable right next to my computer!) And puppy has us putting cayenne paste on various furniture corners/knobs to deter her resculpting instincts. How I wish there were no chewing!! Will lessen in the next year or so – I keep telling myself …
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