Friday, August 5, 2011

Sing For Your Seeds

A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.

Maya Angelou
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One of these days I wouldn't be surprised to get a comment from some unknown reader saying "Who asked you?"

Come on, you guys, I want to hear "tweet, tweet, chirp, chirp."

I don't really consider Vagabond Journeys as a journal of opinion, although I seem to express my opinions about one thing or another at the click of a keyboard button.

I ran out of bird seed on the weekend and as a result the finches and their companions weren't talking to me. So I went to Walmart and bought three big bags of seeds, and filled their feeder. Now I'm waiting to hear at least one tweet of gratitude. So far, nothing.

I stated writing the journal in 2006, full time since 2008 and during that time I've expressed a lot of opinions I suppose. But I also write about observations I've made, humor, stories of my life as an entertainer and bits and pieces of information having questionable value.

I even put up a container of jolly peanut based suet. The birds are showing their appreciation by putting 200 yards between themselves and my porch.

I write because I want to, and because I have to. I write every day. I write short grippingly interesting and angelically inspiring essays like this one. I hope I put seeds of thought in people's minds and lives.

Big man, big man, have you any gruel?
Yes sir, yes ma'am, three bags full.

They always scurry away when they see me. Even though I'm the one who fills their feeder, I'm just too big for them to contend with.

I am almost never asked for advice. In the few times I am I hope that the advice I give and the opinions I express are worth something to those in need, even if, as in some cases, I never hear from them again.

One of them got caught inside my apartment trying to get out through a closed window. I picked him up in one hand and carried him to the door. He was so grateful to me for saving him that without a chirp he took off like a shot to parts unknown.

As I have said before, I don't know many answers, but I know a lot of questions, and it's those questions that keep me curious and keep me writing. I have a few readers and get even fewer comments.

Some one will say not to worry the birds will return. Of course they will because they need to gorge themselves on my sunflower seeds and wild bird mix. They can't resist my cuisine for long. And I will be happy to see them. And hear them.

And don't write because I have answers, I write because I have a song.

DB - The Vagabond
Never give up.
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SUMMER QUESTION

It's a long, hot, sticky summer, so here's a hot, sticky question for you. Don't let the recent New York State decision rob you of your thunder.

Same sex marriage. Should it be legal or not? If so, why? If not, why not?

dbdacoba@aol.com

13 answers so far.

You have until the last day of summer, but don't dally.
I eagerly await your answer.

DB
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6 comments:

Geo. said...

Re:"I have a few readers and get even fewer comments."

DB, that's nothin'. I been writing poetry over 50 years and earned maybe ten bucks --but it puts me in the top 5% of poet earners. More than Emily Dickinson but less than Poe, who earned maybe twice that in a mere 40 years but succumbed to overwork. Compared to poets, I think you're doing real good. Internet is a place where we can say what we want and write as we wish. As to "few" readers, I prefer the term, "distinguished".

DB said...

Thank you Geo, I am corrected. Distinguised readers they are. In fact I would say I have readers whom I cherish.

Valerie said...

Dana,

To my ears, you have written concertos and even musicals.

I know I have been pretty quiet the past month or so (life has been CRAZY, the good kind), but I have been reading your blog. Your words have been "the birds" outside my window (and birds do concertos and musicals!), as I don't have any birds, and very few windows to look out. LOL

Have a good weekend, my friend!!

pacifica62 said...

"And I don't write because I have answers, I write because I have a song." Then sing away cause your "distinguished" readers are waiting. I don't think that you should judge the value of your written words based solely on the amount of comments you get or don't get or on how many readers you might have. Those things are shallow and superficial. You write because you want to write and if in all this time you have planted a seed of knowledge or hope into one reader's mind that perhaps changed their life or thinking in some way, then you will have been richly rewarded for your efforts. Trouble is, you just don't know who is in your audience. You put the seeds out, the birds will come and have a taste and soon they will all be flocking back to enjoy the tasty tidbits that you have provided for them. They might reward you with a song, or they might just fly away and say nothing. Same with your readers.

Arlene (AJ) said...

Your writing always touches my heart, after reading your daily site, I like to sit back and reflex on what you wrote about. I know you've increased my knowledge about a lot of things or have made me stop and reflex on what you wrote. You're indeed a blessing to all of us who read your site. Plus, allowing yourself to voice your thoughts, words is also good for not only us, but keeps your mind sharp and alert.

Enjoy your birds, how sweet of you to take the one back outside to enjoy his earthly venture.

Have a good weekend DB.

Ken Riches said...

After 10 years living in the country, I do not think I could return to city living. Our problem is at times one of overtweet :o)