Hunger Preys

an old ripped tarp argues with the wind
the NO TRESPASSING sign trembles
an underdressed scare crow ‘crazy dances”
mocking a city dweller manically hailing a cab
the warmth of the red barn lies to the field mice
offers only the emptiness of progress
sad hollow hope of grain-less silos
silent feathers watch as hunger preys
upon the return of every sunrise
an old ripped tarp argues with the wind 


©1/20/2019
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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Gauthier Avatar
February 18, 2019 at 8:03 AM
Poignant and artfully crafted. A beauty, John.
Agustin Avatar
February 13, 2019 at 8:35 PM
Well-expressed observation. Congrats! Thanks for sharing your talent. God bless you.
Pigeon Tart Avatar
February 13, 2019 at 9:13 AM
Fantastic imagery ~ sound. Congratulations on your top win John! xomo
Carmack Avatar
February 12, 2019 at 10:33 PM
Brilliant.
Lawless Avatar
February 13, 2019 at 7:57 AM
Oh, the difference a day, and a contest sponsor, make. Appreciate the top placement Rob and the "second' chance to post this in a contest
Barden Avatar
January 26, 2019 at 6:03 PM
I just rescued a tarp from under the snow of my deck, (as it's been relatively "warm" here the last couple of days), before the frigid hit again ... this morning when out to feed the crows, (yes, I feed them, squirrels, birds, deer, foxes) ... I'm right in town, but we have a small wildlife refuge out back, and the new houses have not discouraged the wildlife, thankfully. I even had a Blue Heron on the lawn this summer - eating squirrels! :-D Wonderful write, John - fav-ing this one!
Lawless Avatar
February 13, 2019 at 7:59 AM
Gregory are you sure that "blue" heron wasn't just thawing out from the cold.....Thanks for you continued support.
Staton Avatar
January 20, 2019 at 4:59 PM
I thoroughly enjoyed this poem!
Lawless Avatar
January 21, 2019 at 8:45 AM
Glad you liked it Valerie
Dietrich Avatar
January 20, 2019 at 3:22 PM
very good writing John, and I liked how it all came back to the tarp. That was great peronification of it.
Lawless Avatar
January 21, 2019 at 8:42 AM
thanks Andrea, stay warm. Those ripped tarps always seem sadly prophetic
Devonshire Avatar
January 20, 2019 at 2:22 PM
Raising crops rarely yields much profit and the hungry mice have few places to turn. Powerful free verse, John. And I loved your reference on how to hail a cab. Best wishes in Edward's contest!
Lawless Avatar
January 21, 2019 at 8:39 AM
Thanks Carolyn, I just finished digging out from under ice covered hard packed snow racing to beat sub zero temps approaching quickly. Ah, Winter!
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