APRIL 27
Billy Doyle
THE CRACKLE OF A GRACKLE
You hear me first, my creaks, readle-eeks, and clacks
I’m the pretty one, the iridescent blackbird
Not the goldfinch, ruby cardinal, warbler or the bluejay
They pale in comparison to me.
You hear these songbirds’ lovely calls,
Yet you know mine as the strongest of them all.
Everyone hears me when I’m near, you know me by my cackle
I’m not a little one humming or a chipper chirping
I am not the subtle, shrinking one
I am loud and strong and free
… and I do as I please
I am a grackle
I scatter and scoot; fly hither and yon.
You’ll see me all day, nary dusk to dawn
Get out of the way, it’s to the feeder for me
Don’t see it as greed
It’s all that I need
When feeders are full, I bring family, and friends
A few cackles from me — it’ll be only grackles you see
So, stay clear of my feeders, don’t even think of the ground
Flap and sail away quickly when you hear my special sound
I live life on my terms, like it or not
For when the feeders are empty
Scarcity is all that you’ve got.
Billy Doyle (Wil Wallace) was born in Southern Ontario. After raising a family outside of Ottawa, he relocated to Quebec’s Eastern Townships in 2022. He writes creative nonfiction and personal essays under the name Wil Wallace, and poetry as Billy Doyle. Both name choices and the stories he shares reflect pride in his heritage as a Canadian of Scottish and Irish descent. We all have many interesting tales to tell. Our point of view is a perspective unique to ourselves; sharing it is a special gift.
All through the month of April, we’re sharing a poem a day, celebrating the vibrant voices of our local poets writing in English. This initiative is coordinated by Angela Leuck, publisher of Shoreline Press.
Join us as we explore the creativity and stories of our community, one poem at a time.