Ten Poems about Blackbirds

Blackbirds are one of our most beautiful songsters. There’s nothing quite as transporting as hearing one sing from a treetop or rooftop on a summer evening – they appear to have all the time in the world: “But the blackbird still will sing, Making the heart of the dark wood thrill With the notes that come from his golden bill…” from ‘The Blackbird’s Song’ by George Walter Thornbury These poems celebrate the heart-stopping beauty of the song, together with the perky boldness of a bird that we so often see hopping across our parks and gardens. Perhaps it’s because we’re familiar with them that blackbirds seem to have something to say about our human lives. This richly varied selection will delight anyone who loves blackbirds and the irresistible music of their song. Selected and introduced by Di Slaney. Poems by Moniza Alvi, John Clare, Gillian Clarke, Miriam Darlington, Phyllis Drayson, Wendy Pratt, Angela Readman, RS Thomas, George Walter Thornbury and Humbert Wolfe. Illustrations by Sam Cannon.