ManicDDaily

The Trojan Magpie

The Trojan Magpie seemed genuine enough–
it flew on wings of jet and tail of white;
with caw and screech both querulously bluff,
cocked eyes that could look cellophanely bright.

Yes, it hoarded gilt, shine, profane gaud,
and greeted perceived rot with greedy cry
yet no bird heart was held by this mag fraud
nor knowledge of the shape of earth or sky.

What the Trojan knew was how to pick a current,
and how to turn hot air into let wind,
how to preen itself and also the abhorrent,
as it unloosed the menace stashed within.

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Sort of poem for Mama Zen’s prompt on Real Toads to post a poem to certain designated pics, with a sense of the bruised heart of the world.  The above is Big Raven, by Emily Carr (1931).  MZ asks us to keep to 60 words; I’ve gone a bit over here.  (I think the prompt also wanted something beautiful–I’m afraid I went for the bruising here and not the beautiful.)

On a happier note, I am very pleased to report that my new book DOGSPELL or Sally & Seemore & the Meaning of Mushki is out!  It is a sweet (I think) children’s novel, written (with some help from my dear departed Pearl) and much illustrated by me.  Great for any dog lover. Available on Amazon.  When at Amazon, check out my other books!  1 Mississippi, Going on Somewhere, Nose Dive, and Nice.