Albatross
Farewell. Great lady of the sea,
your sad expression impressed
against the wry wind screen,
your final moment fixed
within a haunting mind. One by
one the family file out, dazed,
yet the radiator to be checked,
the headlights and paint work
to be inspected, red, yellow and
blue entrails to be rid of, blood
to be cleared, a final polish
to hide away the evidence.
I switch off. From the furore,
My eyes. Stray towards the hedgerow,
there you hang, ensnared beneath
a thorny crown, reminding me
of a Sunday story long ago.
Predator encircles above, soon to
play his part in nature’s garbage
disposal plan, a cruel mission
so necessary. Yet it was
only minutes ago, the heavens
were yours, the lonely ocean in
need of your presence, the lone
sailor, bearer of sustenance
in return for a moment or two.
I imagine your fledgling squawking
in anticipation, only then
to grow slowly weaker without
the means to understand, in this
a harsh expansive world. “Thanks to
Hollywood” Life is so cheap, even
yours. Only I among five give
you a second glance, so even
if I had the answer, to the
reasons why you’re mutilated
body is there, and I am here;
to whom. Do I tell it to?
© Harry J Horsman 1993
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