Just A Raven? Poem by Denis Martindale

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At first, you're just another bird I see when walking by,
Yet suddenly, emotions stirred as we stared eye-to-eye,
For in one moment thoughts appeared, unbidden, were they yours,
Or just the dread that quickly steered my breath to stop and pause?
As I continued further on, I saw your head turn, too,
As if to watch when I was gone, completely out of view.
Instead, I stopped and turned around, still staring at your gaze,
To face these thoughts that I had found and wanted to replace.
Was it the darkness of your wings, your body and your head,
Or just the challenge each eye brings that made me turn instead?
As I approached across the grass next to the trees that day,
Time stopped for me and would not pass. My legs would not obey,
Then time began as you flew near in one straight line to me,
I dare not blink because of fear and grave uncertainty.
Just as the eagle soars above, in seconds, you gained height,
To scratch my head with force enough to cause a sudden fright.
I turned to see you flying high, not looking back at all,
And since that day, I wonder why the thought makes my skin crawl.
Since then, each raven that I meet just quickly turns and flies,
While you alone scratched with your feet with hate that never dies.


Denis Martindale. March 2021.

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