A Robin chatters Overhead

The Frosty Hours My little house is wrapped in snow, the evergreens are frosted, so I'll leave a tray of cake and bread to complement the mistletoe. A robin chatters overhead, he sees me place this ample spread, then flutters down to take his share and proudly flaunt his patch of red. By nine a.m. the tray is bare, I note an odour in the air, then find the spattered gable end; an urban fox has lingered there. I worry for my tiny friend, remove the tray and then suspend a net of fruit and buttered neeps to see if I can make amends. The evening drifts are crisp and deep, the bird returns and seems to keep a vigil when I turn to sleep, for we have promises to keep.

Lovely painting, Brian. Robins are very friendly. I fish twice a week in the same spot, and a robin often comes and sits on my rod waiting for me to give it a snack.

Great work, Brian. That bird is singing his heart out. As someone who can't handle pastel, I'm always keen to see it well used, as here.

I love it Brian! The poem suits so well and its not twee at all. Your Robin is so lifelike and I'd like him on a Christmas card, in fact you have so many great paintings that could be Christmas cards you will be spoilt for choice this year😀

Love your little robin and love the poem 😀

Thank you very much for the very generous comments, everyone. I nearly didn't post this robin and now I'm glad I did. Ha! Loved your robin story, Seth. It's great when that kind of thing happens. Nice compliment there, Lewis. I'm still feeling my way with pastels but they are rewarding. So different to anything else I've used. I tried them YEARS ago and keep dipping my toes in the water. Thanks, Margaret, for the very encouraging review. Delighted the poem worked. Christmas cards...Must get my head round that idea. Thanks again. I'm pleased the robin and poem worked well together, Linda. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate all the replies, so thanks again. Best to all Brian

You have yourself a happy fellow there Brian, and he should be, with beautiful words dedicated just to him. You have caught him perfectly.

Thanks, Fiona, for the generous comments. Always appreciated. I wasn't at all sure about this piece but thought I'd post it to see how it would be received. I'm really pleased you liked the poem. Thanks again. Brian

Really great!

Thank you for the kind comment, Maureen. Appreciated and glad you liked. Brian