Scillies in April
Running up to the Day-Mark Through the spring heather And high on the evening sea air, I flushed the distant bird — It launched on barred wings, Sank fast within half a furlong Back into cover.
All the way back at full stretch I searched my retina's sight-hoard (Look for the field-mark') To earth the gaudy flash of Harlequin With a sure connection; My one recollection surely Too far outlandish.
Only after two days Did I catch Terry's mate on the 'Voyager of St Martin's', To pep up the passengers, volunteering 'Have you heard, on Chapel Down They've spotted a Hoopoe?'
0 upupa epops! 0 song!
To have been on the mark all along!
Halloo, small miracle, strange visitant, Shade of Aristophanes!
Last seen in April seven years ago On a consular lawn In Jerusalem.
John Weston
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