Notes About The Poem

Inspired by Movie "The Birds", Poe,  The Flanders Field and Irish Mythology.

 

 

A Ravaged Raven

Ravaged Raven

On returning from work, I always pass near the cemetery
And always find no life moving there, almost same scenery. 
But today was a different day. I stopped my car at the gate
The cawing began, wind whipped, birds arrived in droves.
Big black birds were landing over the place, on the graves.
It seemed to be like a scene out of the movie “The Birds”
Flapping of the wings indicating a big accident to happen.
It reminded me of many superstitions and scores of myths
That surround the crow and its larger cousin, the ravens.
Ravens are associated with death in many of the cultures
As they are found feeding on animals and human remains,
A soothsayer, an omen of death, as a creator and cleanser.


I saw a lady standing near the tombstones looking at horizon
First I thought her to be a Goddess Morrigan of Irish battle
As both crows and ravens were her allies and companions,
Dressed in white but this woman was in black with a pistol.
Will name her Raven, visiting the tomb of the dear one
Who is dead, but once lived, felt dawn and saw sunset
Loved and was loved and now he lies in this cemetery.

As if she got the inner message from her dead one
“To take up the quarrel with the foe and take the revenge.
And will not sleep in peace if you break faith with me”.
As if she has come with a pistol to console her dear one
With salty tears stinging her face, emotions begin to race
I miss you so, why did you have to go when heart is wary.
I have come to you to touch your name engraved in stone
Trying to be strong and brave, to avenge your enemy
And one day in heaven we will be together happy again.

                                  +++
September 26, 2014
Form: Free Verse
Second Place win
Contest: Raven by Kelly Deschler
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Kayode Avatar
October 14, 2014 at 8:37 AM
Super,congrats Dr.
A. Sharma Avatar
October 13, 2014 at 10:53 PM
And back again wid huge congrats on your awesome win Dr. Ram!
Gorelick Avatar
October 13, 2014 at 8:00 PM
Congrats Dr Ram...enjoy your big win. BG
Deschler Avatar
October 13, 2014 at 6:04 PM
A sad and haunting story of longing that was very well told. The gothic imagery was just fantastic! ....By the way, the accompanying photo matches perfectly with this dark piece.... Congratulations on your win, Dr. Ram!
Mehta Avatar
October 13, 2014 at 9:43 PM
Thanks, Kelly, for picking up my poem
Dietrich Avatar
September 27, 2014 at 10:34 PM
Hi, Dr. Ram. Like Constance, I wish to thank you for my win in your contest. It is so interesting to see how different poets are influenced to do the Raven challenge. I like where you took your poem!
La France Avatar
September 27, 2014 at 6:31 PM
Ram, I really love your story about the Raven and the women, well done, I hope it does well in the contest and I want to thank you so much for my wonderful placement in your Choka contest, I am very honoured ~~
Horsman Avatar
September 27, 2014 at 9:33 AM
Amazing inter woven poetry,,love reading this and then again...
Kendrick Avatar
September 26, 2014 at 1:44 PM
Interesting work inspired by the other famous poets..If for a contest, reads like winning material..Thanks for the visit to my page..Sara
Gorelick Avatar
September 26, 2014 at 11:17 AM
Wonderfully done Dr Ram..I love that you used some phrases from Flander''s Fields...two of my favorites in one poem..BG
A. Sharma Avatar
September 26, 2014 at 10:57 AM
Tremendous write Dr Ram! Good luck in contest!
Yaseen Avatar
September 26, 2014 at 7:39 AM
This poem moved me, I am making it my fav. one, while reading this, I felt like silence around and the images clear.. Perfect use of images....Dr. Mehta
Bateman Avatar
September 26, 2014 at 7:30 AM
Ram, A very compelling and enchanting write here indeed!! I like your view of the Raven you use. Your imagery is also quite powerful in this work. "The Raven" from Edgar Allen Poe is one of my all-time favorites. I do look forward to being one of your regular readers Ram. Wishing you all the best . . . Cheers, Gary
Trifiatis Avatar
September 26, 2014 at 7:28 AM
A marvelous write and a superb lecture, Dr. Ram. One can easily enjoy the beauty and coherence of the poem by enriching his knowledge at the same time! Impressive!
Mcdaid Avatar
September 26, 2014 at 6:41 AM
wow what an amazing piece of writing very beautifully drawn ram
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace