Unnamed, for Inauguration Day
As the sun rolls across the ridgetop
in another rise-set, thirteen ravens
tangle like glossy clowns in midair
hurtling toward treetops, littering
the valley with shrieks and rattles
while the dogs and I watch
like Eve: from below. Perhaps those
who first called this an unkindness
or consipiracy
anticipated this day. Words can be tools
or weapons. From on high
it’s easier to blame
than face the truth. All around us
snakes hang from trees
slinging apples with wings
while the earth laughs and laughs. She’s
always known how to shed her own skin. For her
a group of ravens needs no name.
*The phrase about words being either tools or weapons is a reference to the movie, Arrival, 2016, which was based on the short story, “Story of Your Life,” by Ted Chiang.
Powerful and moving. Hits to the core.
Thank you 🙏
Love this clear note in the space, especially on this auspicous day. Thanks poet friend, for your essential and inspiring voice.
Thank you, dear friend 🙏