The Call of the Kokako

Poems from far-flung places
In this collection of poems, drawn from a lifetime of travel and observation, the poet tells us about many new and spectacular things, covering the natural world, diverse landscapes and evolution, and also about ourselves, including the human power of love. Much philosophy resides in these pages too.
The cover drawing is by Sam Clark.
Author: Anthony Boniface Publisher: Brambleby Books Year of Publication: 2011 Format and Pages: Paperback, 80pp ISBN: 9781908241054 Retail Price: £7.99 Our Discount Price: £7.20
Sample text from The Call of the Kokako |
Saguaro
Saguaro grows slow flowers show melon scented
bee contented bat frequented fruits bright scarlet ripe
contrasting sight of jet black beads birds feed scatter seeds
the young saguaro shading needs
seedlings push above the bush one foot in fifteen years
branched leafless spiny stem appears inducing fears
in herbivores with champing jaws competing for
the water store saguaro draws from desert sand
to make each pleated post expand
woodpecker bores long spines ignores to form a nest
a place of rest to rear her young amongst these giants
these cactus plants who will outlive a man.
Ostrich
They call me altruistic
But I’m selfish just the same,
I laid my eggs together
When another female came,
She added her own ova
So I cannot take the blame,
Arranging them around mine,
‘Cause protection is my aim.
They lie around the margin
That hyenas will soon eat,
They taste as good as mine do
And my clutch remains complete.
My tactics are successful
For the reason that I cheat,
All’s fair in evolution,
And that justifies deceit.
Lesson in Evolution
The Laughing Kookaburra
Has a voice which is well-known.
Invertebrates and reptiles
The food preference they’ve shown,
Unlike other kingfishers
All of which they have outgrown.
Monogamy’s their lifestyle
But the young aren’t left alone;
Their brothers and their sisters
Independence they postpone
And help their parents feed them
Till the family has flown.
Their genes are really selfish;
Now the sceptics must atone.
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