The Nonpareil

 

Like a strumpet on her maiden trick revealing her magenta blush

he displays his colors to the fern who shyly hides in turquoise brush.

Immodestly he flaunts his plume and skirts from branch to branch

and hopes his flaming colors rise to capture spring’s romance.

His muted bride on darkened limb allows his costumed show

to lure her focus gradually and let her interest grow.

Furtively she watches him from shade obscured by morning’s mist

she contrasts tempting plumage with need for faithfulness.

The Painted Bunting mates for life, his colors none-the-less,

she needs to choose most wisely how to best defend her nest.

His feathers shine and mesmerize it’s true, no other one contends

and in his bright alluring air her confidence ascends.

And so with rising certainty she sees his blooming pride

as evidence of his devotion to his forever-bride.

Emerging from her hideaway the courtship starts its dance of fate

and soon above the forest bed the Bunting has his mate.




This poem was written in response to a word prompt on the Read, Write, Poem website.  (#118) I've italicized the words in my poem that were given to us as a prompt.  "Nonpareil" was also one of the words suggested. I did not use mirror, fumble, motorcoach or cup.