My Extended Family Poem by Latha Prem Sakhya

He comes stealthily with the dawn
Settling down comfortably, his tiny feet astride
The thin branch of the nutmeg tree,
Eyes glued to the kitchen window,
Ears straining to grasp our movements
He waits patiently. If silence greets him
He breaks into shrill chatter
Piercing my ears to roll off my bed.
Prayers forgotten, I run to my kitchen
Straining the rice kept for our wild family
I empty the cupful on his empty platter.
Watching him scramble in excitement
I extend my hand pleadingly inviting him
To feed from my hand.Rushing down
Fear assaults he stops, flicking his tail
He scoots off to his favourite corner.
Bidding him to eat, I hasten to tell
My morning prayers.

There are days I sleep off through his call
Rushing out, I scan the branches
The emptiness sears my soul.
I place his share on the plate and wait hopefully
A dull ache permeating my being
I start my morning chores.
As we settle for breakfast we hear him
I rush to my kitchen
There framed by my window I see him
Daintily eating on one side of the plate
On the other in companionable silence the one legged crow.
The sight splashes rainbow colours of joy
Brimming eyes full of gratitude
For my extended family
I continue my chores.