Poetry took a back seat this busy summer of being a mom and grandma first, writer second. But I did take lots of photos and tried to write a little something every day inspired by a photo.
Northeast B.C., where we spent the last three weeks with family, has many magpies. One morning one of them was flitting about in a yard we passed on our walk. It is the subject of my poem for August 10th.
Did you know…
– Australian magpies swoop and buzz walkers, joggers and cyclists during nesting season.
– Magpies are known (along with other corvids) for their intelligence. The Eurasian magpie even recognizes itself in a mirror.
– In some countries (like China) people believe magpies (Pica pica) bring good luck. They also appear as characters in folklore, stories, and rhymes from around the world
– Some people love magpies but others don’t!
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This poem is linked to Poetry Friday, hosted today by Dori Reads.
Violet Nesdoly / poems 
Irene Latham
August 19, 2016 at 5:00 am
O that wily swooper… great words in this one, Violet! I especially love the “forget either-or” ending. Thank you for sharing! xo
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Linda Baie
August 19, 2016 at 6:45 am
I looked up “pica pica” then realized that you shared about it, Violet. I too am in love with the word choice, that “clown not in disguise” is perfect. We have magpies waddling all over the lawns here, and at campsites, grabbing what they can. They are flashy to see! I’m glad you’ve had such nice family time, too!
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Brenda Davis Harsham
August 19, 2016 at 7:53 am
I love the photo and the poem. I especially like “Pica Pica zebra/ without snout or hoof.” It’s good to see another part of the world.
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Karen Eastlund
August 19, 2016 at 10:36 am
This poem caught me immediately with “licorice allsorts.” Perfect! Also, I have been “swooped” by blackbirds, and I can tell you it is not fun. Thanks for this poem, I really enjoyed it.
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Kiesha Shepard
August 19, 2016 at 10:38 am
Oh I love how you included the info. about birds along with the poem. What fun words in the poem!
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Michelle Heidenrich Barnes
August 19, 2016 at 11:14 am
I’m firmly in the “love them” category, though I’m not sure if I’d be there if it wasn’t Australian magpies I was first exposed to. They have the most divine morning song! I especially love the magpie names in your poem.
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Tabatha
August 19, 2016 at 2:27 pm
Sounds like you’ve had a super summer, Violet! I especially like that “mischief checkerboard.”
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Tara Smith
August 19, 2016 at 3:50 pm
You have made this trickster of folklore sound so charming!
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Carol Wilcox
August 20, 2016 at 3:15 am
Such great metaphors. And the words sing! This will be a fun one to read to my middle schoolers!
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maryleehahn
August 20, 2016 at 5:28 am
Love your ending! I’ve seen magpies, but never lived where they do. I think I’d like these intelligent tricksters!
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dorireads
August 20, 2016 at 8:12 am
What wonderful sounds in this poem! Nice job with this trickster. I’m so glad you had a joyful summer with family.
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katswhiskers
August 21, 2016 at 12:39 am
Definitely swooping magpies in Australia! When we moved into our rural house (no other houses around) I counted about 30 magpies one day. I always said that if we didn’t hurt them, they wouldn’t hurt us… and they haven’t. It’s a bit different in town, where the actions of others affect you, too. I too like the pica pica zebra – though I was glad you explained it, since I wasn’t sure what it was.
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Violet Nesdoly
August 21, 2016 at 6:50 am
Wow – 30 magpies in one day! I’d heard about the swooping magpies in Australia from Canadian friends who lived in Australia for a year on a job exchange. They told of how people walked around with ball caps on backward to avoid the swooping magpies going for their eyes. They’re definitely too smart for our comfort! Glad you’re living in harmony with them. I’ve experienced swooping crows and swallows during nesting time, but never magpies.
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Bridget Magee
August 21, 2016 at 8:55 am
I haven’t lived near these feathered friends (foes to some?) but your poem makes me feel like I have at least glimpsed their personalities. Love the “wily swooper” descriptor. Thanks for sharing, Violet. =)
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