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November 27, 2014

Poetry Friday--Murmuration



twilight
darkens to dusk
a murmuration
of starlings
tears me up

The tanka's eleven words, are not adequate to describe my reaction to the phenomenon taking place in the above video. A flock of starlings is called a "murmuration." I've seen one in person. It was while I was driving down the highway (495 near Lawrence, MA). I only wish I had had the wherewithal to pull over. The murmuration I witnessed was not half the size of the one in the clip, but it was enough. If you'd like to see more, go to YouTube and use "starling murmuration" as your search term. (I chose the above video on the basis of its beautiful accompanying music.) To learn more about the science behind the seemingly choreographed flight, click here.

I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving. There's plenty of poetry for dessert--just stop by Carol's Corner!

Tanka © Diane Mayr, all rights reserved.

15 comments:

  1. Isn't that beautiful?! One of nature's many wonders. Another is pufferfish art-- have you seen the video floating around FB recently? (If not, let me know and I'll forward it to you.) Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, Diane!

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    1. I have not seen the pufferfish art--how did I miss that? Thanksgiving was nice, but a little snowy. I guess you didn't have that problem!

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  2. I love the word murmuration. And I love it that nasty annoying starlings can make something so movingly beautiful.

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    1. Now, Mary Lee, you can't fault starlings for being starlings. It's the idiots who introduced them to the U.S. that you should find fault with. All in the name of Shakespeare! http://www.nytimes.com/1990/09/01/opinion/100-years-of-the-starling.html (There's an ironic poem there, methinks!)

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    2. Ha! I'm busily writing...come back next Friday!

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  3. Diane, I have not seen the starlings flocking in formation like shown in the video. It is an amazing sight. Enjoyed your tanka...

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    1. It is amazing, especially considering how many birds are flying together. It's a beautiful world!

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  4. My students and I studied mumurations earlier this school year and wrote poems about them. An incredible phenomenon. http://reflectionsontheteche.wordpress.com/2014/10/17/murmuration-mysteries/

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    1. Thanks for the link, Margaret, I will check it out.

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  5. I remember feeling awed the first time I saw a video (and I love the word murmuration too) - & I can't wait to see what you're conjuring up anon ....

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    1. Murmuration is a totally awesome word.

      The next P.F. poem is set up to automatically post on Thursday night. That doesn't mean I won't tinker with it a dozen times between now and then!

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  6. Haha! Your tinkering only leads to perfection...

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    1. Thank you, Robyn, that is such a kind thing to say.

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  7. Simply amazing - both your tanka and the murmuration video. ("Murmuration" is a lovely word to say, too.)

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