Collared Doves
She calls them beauty and handsome.
I see two collared doves,
but understand her chosen names.
They sit together on the round feed table,
pick sunflower seeds like canapes,
leave the hemp; every bird leaves the hemp.
Today, just handsome sitting in the pine tree
and buzzing, rather than cooing –
not worried as I stand below him.
Not worried, either, by the weight
of being a symbol of love;
his collar more ornament than choker.
She broods the eggs by day,
while he comes to eat. At dusk they swap.
The evenings here are beauty.
Simon Williams has nine published collections, his latest being The Magpie Almanac. Simon was elected The Bard of Exeter in 2013, founded the large-format magazine, The Broadsheet and produced the well-received PLAY Anthology. More here:www.simonwilliams