Black Feathers Fly

(In the 17th c, many women were falsely accused of being witches. Many were banished, and more were burnt at the stake. Of course, none of them were witches, but due to ignorance and intolerance by so-called educated clergy, the women were falsely accused and condemned to die). Like black rain over the meadow grass Crows hover amid cackle and harsh laugh To feed on seed of tomorrow's harvest Leaving us all with meager leavings. There they stood with gowns flapping Like black wing of flocking crows Cackling in judgment sober and stern To deprive us of life and liberty. Caged in a dungeon cold and dark Beneath the kirks lofty roof Without water and our daily bread Were starved and scared into confession. With false witness we were condemned Sentenced before a trial took place Tied to a stake and burned alive Our souls travelled into paradise. On Orkneys verdant green grass, Graze our kye and our yowes Since time began has it been thus Shadows float black in sky above.