This morning, while lying in bed and half-listening to the news on the “Today” programme, a short article came on. It concerned the regent honeyeater, an Australian bird that is critically endangered and has lost its ability to sing its own song to attract a mate, hence its decreasing numbers and increasing vulnerability to becoming extinct.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-56417544

It prompted me to write this little poem.

"Regent Honeyeater" (amended version)

Help me sing my tune once more
I forget my own sweet sound.
Instead I try to mimic
Others songs I’ve found.

But I am not them,
And they not me.
Endangered, unloved,
I’m facing singularity.

Without song I wait alone
Beneath the rainless sky,
For love to bloom, blossom to grow
And my song the chance to fly.

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This was my original version, penned while still under the duvet.

“Regent Honeyeater” (original version)

Help me sing my tune once more

I’ve forgotten that sweet sound.

Instead I try to mimic

Others songs I’ve found.

But I am not them,

They are not me,

Endangered and few

I’m loosing my singularity.

I wait song-less, alone

Beneath a rainless sky

For love to bloom 

And my song to fly.