Song of the Dove: The Inspiration behind the Poem

The melancholy echo of the Mourning Dove is a soothing melody to many that recognize the wistful song when it shakes against the air. Though sometimes their song can be mistaken for an owl’s hoot. Their plump brownish-gray bodies and long, pointy tails are a pleasant and common sight across the continent. They live year-round from Mexico up to southern Canada across much of the United States.

The Mourning Doves are cousins to the rock pigeons and are usually found near humans gobbling up seeds, perching on a telephone wire or building a nest in an unsafe place. They are one of North America’s most adaptable species, thriving in a wide range of habitats. However, they do prefer open farmland, parks and backyards over forest areas.  

Mother and babies content in their nest.

The Mourning Dove, a symbol of love and comfort

Throughout different cultures the Mourning Dove is often seen as a messenger that can symbolize love and comfort. The presence of the Mourning Dove is connected to mourning, forgiveness and the journey of life.  They may also be depicted as symbols of hope and solace representing peace and renewal. They are seasonally monogamous, and the continent’s most popular game bird. Learn more about these unique birds at 10 Fun Facts About the Mourning Dove | Audubon

The Mourning Dove, the inspiration behind the poem

When I hear their call, I always think back to the spring that my sweet mother made her final quest across the sea of life, I saw doves everywhere…it was as if they were following my every step soothing my grieving heart. When I would travel to the family farm in the waning days of my mother’s life, there I would be greeted, and at my own home they would come and set on my deck to visit for seemly hours at a time.

On a beautiful day in May, as I prepared to make the journey to that beloved farm and say my final farewell, there they were on my kitchen windowsill. I had never seen one bird let alone two birds of the same kind perched on that small, narrow place, nor have I ever seen any since that time. That place was a difficult and unusual place for any of my feathered friends to sit and visit. Like faithful friends, they perched beside me to give me solace in the storm. My husband and son both agreed that surely it was a sign from Heaven to reassure us that my mother was safe and secure in her final resting place!  

The Mourning Dove, the song in their wings    

Two doves gaze at each other perched on a cedar branch.

While you may or may not have had such a personal experience, the Mourning Dove is a unique bird in many ways and has some interesting characteristics. Many times, you may hear them but not see them as they tend to be very skittish. The sharp whistling sound that they make as they take flight is actually made by their wings as air rushes through the feathers making them vibrate. This sound can also serve as an alarm bell to other birds to vacate the area due to impending danger. If you are interested in attracting these peaceful and delicate birds to your backyard visit Simple Ways to Attract Mourning Doves | Blain's Farm & Fleet Blog (farmandfleet.com).

 Enjoy the poem, Song of the Dove, and let it usher you into the chambers of peace.  

 The Song of the Dove

 Your voice rested upon my ear,

From whence it came I was not sure,

But when I turned to see your face,

From the woods you disappeared.

Your refrain akin to that of no other

Offering soothing strains while the

Wooded vales were faithful

To offer you cover.

I heard you in the evening air

When life was fair and grand,

And when the path was overcast

With clouds of somber despair.

My melancholy cares you tried to smother

When with your trusted friend

You came, on that day when

Heaven received my sweet mother.

There upon my sill you played

Each note with thoughtful skill,

While upon the sea of memories

My tears went and stayed.

You comforted me for such a time

As the world moved swiftly on

When my grief was heavy.

For it alone was mine.

When again I hear your cunning call

In the whisper of hidden vales,

As an audience of one, I shall stand and

Wait for your song my heart to enthrall.