Beak gaping - head held high,

he hurls his heart

at the leadening sky.

 

No tremulous songster this,

no shy diva,

but a full-throated singer -

 

- lionized.

 

The gathering storm,

thunderheads boiling,

tension mounting,

 

while his small form,

bravely defies

stabs of white lightning.

 

Wild aria rising-

 

                rising -

 

                        rising -

 

                                - a throat rattling crescendo.

 

 

 

The 'Storm Cock' is, of course, a Mistle Thrush. They really do sing from the top-most branch of the tallest tree that they can find and their song is both loud and wild as they try to sing above the storm.