Entangled
Fat strutting chickens
contentedly clucking songs to self
room to roam, company of the clutch
sweet seeds, like heaven’s mana, ever present.
A simple peace, deep easy breaths
til my gaze falls upon the broken body
little wild-bird trapped in netting
intended to keep the girls at home.
How long did you hang fluttering for freedom?
upside down, ruffled carcass, eyes now hollow.
if only I had heard your call, garden shears already
on the stoop. so easily I’d of set you free.
Sad ending for a poor bird caught in the netting. Like the juxtaposition of the contented chicken with the wild bird.
yes, breaks my heart ! part of me wants to work on the theme (part of me does not bc it is so painful)
of how we can care for so diligently those close to us, while being oblivious to our actions on the rest of our family in the world. Trying to live a life with eyes wide open is challenging!
Such a touching, tender poem, and so well conveyed. The ending is powerfully done!
thank you!
Fat strutting chickens is a knockout first line. Hauls me right into the poem! And the death of the bird made more poignent by reference to the shears sitting unused nearby. thank you Carol.
thank you Richard…wish it had had abetter outcome for the little wild one