Flight of the Ravens

Flight of the Ravens

Twilight skies reverberate with ravens in anxious flight,
Like shades of ebony in the shadows
When light faints into midnight hues
Blush of amber early evening elegance blotted out,
In a rush of shaggy wings
By a murder of mythical Celtic kings
Who ancient mourn Bran the Blessed
To dance the Celtic myth in flight
Against the gasping day pressed up against
A dark moon rising,
Strident caws haunt young visions and ancient dreams
Absent of the lyric whine of chanted song 
To mourn at the edges of dusk
One raven fallen from the hands of the wind
Into the silent chrysalis of death
Grieving squawks resound as mourners rise
In perfect synchronicity of aerobatic grace 
Leaving bits of string and empty sable pinecones
To ever mark their eulogy.

9-28-22
Contest: A Flock of Birds
Sponsor: Julia Ward

This is based on a true story of a raven in our backyard.

Ravens mourn.  They remember events and also leave gifts.
Bran the Blessed is a Celtic myth about ravens.
In Greek mythology the raven is white.
A flock of ravens is a murder.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

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

Dietrich Avatar
October 3, 2022 at 11:12 AM
Wow, Sam. Amazing poetry here. You took bird poetry to another level
Kauffman Avatar
October 4, 2022 at 1:48 PM
Thank you so much Andrea. I have never forgotten this incident that taught me so much about our noisy, raucous, sometimes brutal ravens who like the top of our silver maple to convene! They can be real clowns and they mourn when one of them dies. While they are still not one of my favorites, I have come to appreciate their good qualities. I so appreciate your visit and very special message!
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