Murmuration

A sash of clouds lies low along the ridge,
and the valley blurs with rain. An abacus
of starlings perch on telephone lines
adding and subtracting. Suddenly
they lift — a peppered swirl
dipping left, then right — a torrent
of wings against the opaque sky.

– Sarah Russell

31 thoughts on “Murmuration”

    1. They really are a phenomenon. I read that a starling in flight affects the 7 closest birds to it, so as a flock they are able to change course to be with their fellows almost instantaneously — a kind of magnet effect. That’s what produces the wave. Knowing the science adds sometimes to the poetry, although it can weigh it down as well. Fine line…

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    1. Thanks so much, Lillian. And I’ve been meaning to tell you that every time I go to your site, that fabulous picture of your feet on the beach just takes me to the nearest ocean. Such a relaxing greeting.

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    1. I love the word too, Bjorn. And although when they are in the trees, it really sounds like murmuring, I think the only true meaning is when they are flying. If they are in the trees, it’s just a flock. Go figure…

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  15. Sarah, what can I say about this more than I wish I had written it. To me, it shows you have the perceptive eye of a poet. I love this part so much:

    An abacus
    of starlings perch on telephone lines
    adding and subtracting.

    So on point.

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