Sweet as Song
Blackbird
The large blackbird landed with a screech atop the high post fence. From his perch, he cocked his head sideways, surveying the long porch that ran the length of the pool. It was scattered with an array of items from last night’s party: empty and half-full glasses of champagne, beaded necklaces, discarded masks, and half-eaten food. Damn, but Fat Tuesday was one big party.
The crow looked about. No one. They were all sleeping inside after their night of drunken revelry. With ease, the determined blackbird flew to a chair where he plucked a bright turquoise feather from a mask. He’d hit the jackpot.
Arriving back at the nest, the bird found his mate resting comfortably on four bluish-green eggs. It wouldn’t be long before they’d have a full house. With care, he loosed the feather into the nest, right next to the beads and coins he’d pilfered earlier.
The mother bird squawked her approval, quite pleased by her lover’s newest gift. All the other blackbirds and expectant mothers should be so lucky. It wasn’t everyday one’s spouse stole such expensive, pretty trinkets.
The father-to-be puffed out his chest, proud of the home he’d built. Life was sweet as song.
About the Creator
Cindy Calder
From Charleston SC - "I am still learning." Michelangelo
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insight
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
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More stories from Cindy Calder and writers in Fiction and other communities.
The Great Office Caper
It was Friday. A cup of good, strong coffee was needed to celebrate. I waited for the Keurig to finish. Ah, but this was too sweet. All week, I’d been able to pilfer my coworker’s cream. After all, it was just cream and not the crown jewels.
By Cindy Calder3 years ago in Fiction
Comments (23)
This is such a delightful story. You did such a great job developing a storyline in so few words. Sometimes when I write micro-fiction, it feels forced. Your story flows really well. I love micro-fiction. Do you ever enter any other contests? A few that I like: press53.com - free monthly contest - prompt is one word. nycmidnight.com - paid entries - various word limits writingbattle.com - paid entries - prompts include genre, character, and object. There are limited opportunities to change the prompts, but you can run out of changes, so you end up being stuck with the last one if you keep changing. I haven't placed in any of these yet, but I've only entered a few times.
Dear Cindy Calder I must say "Sweet as Song" is straight-up vibrant! That blackbird strutting his stuff, snagging shiny treasures for his mate? Total rockstar move! It’s a lively snapshot of post-party chaos and proud bird-dad vibes, wrapping Faulkner’s bold spirit in a feathery, feel-good tale. Love the charm! applaudable
Yes, you've shown that animals cherish things more than we humans can. Wonder how I missed this! Well done!
So true and well written!👏🏼 Sometimes animals know the worth of life, and what's important better than humans do.🌿🪶
This was really lovely. Congrats.
This so very symbolic and beautiful!
This little fellow is a regular magpie in the pilfering department! Really well done!
What a brilliant take on the challenge ✅… well deserved placing in the challenge 🤩
What a unique take on the challenge. Incredibly well written story
I am in awe of the beauty of this story. Well done.
I love this. The blackbird as wooer. He's like nature's looter! But only taking what has been discarded.
Really beautiful.
Hahaha this is really cute. A very wholesome take on the prompt 🐦🪺
great poetry
Great
You painted a beautiful canvas with words.
Love it Congratulations!
How did I miss this? Great story, beautifully crafted. A past due Congratulations !🎉
Great story. Congrats on your win!
Such a sweet story and beautifully written. Congratulations on being runner-up! It is well deserved!
A wonderful story! Congrats on being a runner-up!
Such a sweet lovely story. Great work!
Just a few weeks ago one of those fellas was trying to steal my jacket! Or maybe kill me😅 Sweet story, Cindy!