Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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Sounds for a Birder. The Neanderthal are gone by 40,000 years, But there is still a link between us Moderns and the extinct ones-- The vocalizations of most of the birds we live with today. As a population, the Neanderthal would have been far more aware Of the varied, juxtaposed calls of their avian neighbors Than Modern Homo would be in our present time. These creatures were their alarm clock at sunrise, Their lullaby in the Demerung (Twilight) as they attempted to sleep, And their warning, denoting some occurrence Of which they should be aware. Birds were their constant companions, as well as their nourishment. An intimate relationship with another creature for sure! Frank Maurer 10 April 2025 1305 Hours.