PPS Poets

Donna Bishop Hernán Bravo Terry Broadworth Rita Carrington Alvin G. Ens Erin Fisher Thurlow Gowan Shelley Haggard Stella Johnson Jaye Low Paul Mckeown Karen Belix Moore Violet Nesdoly Nicholas Roberts Margot Wawra Mary Winter

Crow's Feet

By Terry Broadworth

Little crow foot prints in the snow
Marking a trail where ever you go
They swirl around on the sheets of white
Then freeze up hard in the dark of night

In the spring of the year with your courtship dance
Making family ties when you get the chance
Then showing your babes how to search for food
While boisterous young ones play in the woods

My early experience has set the stage
The First Nations herald your special traits
Some people think you're an awful bird
They can't see the wonder you bring to this world

Your flashing eyes and your raspy voice
Make us all pay attention when you make all that noise
It may be a possum or raccoon in a tree
But there is always a reason if you look and see.

This is my ode to the crow on the street
He can't grocery shop and just takes what he eats
So maybe next time when you look in the tree
See a charming black bird and be glad he is free

I was born and raised in Victoria BC, and moved to Abbotsford in 1976. I started my work career as a practical nurse and now I work as a recreation programmer at the MSA General Hospital - ECU. This year I have been working at The Cottage for 30 years. My hobbies include writing, photography, gardening and the computer. My partner is from Jamaica and we have travelled quite extensively since 1996. My travels have always inspired my poetry and my poetry has come in handy when the camera failed to capture the memories. I went digital after that. Over the years I have composed the farewell/retirement ditties for my friends as well as a few special tributes to Residents, Family and Volunteers. I have been blessed with the ability to capture these celebrations in rhyme - sometimes in the 11th hour. I find my work with Seniors and their family very rewarding and a big inspiration to me.--Terry Broadworth

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