The Raven
Initiated by a fairy tale
of elf hobgoblins who lived in a dale
Jack Robbins stayed alert throughout the night
Sat looking through his window by moonlight
He saw his swing hanging from the oak tree
Without a breath of wind, slowing moving free
Then a black shape materialised
Forming into a bird before his eyes
Motionless the boy and the bird form stared
Jack opened the window, far as he dared
To throw a piece of his leftover toast
Then quickly shut it again, a brave boast
He then retrieved his book of "Birds of Prey"
From under the shelf of his chest display
Flicking through the entries he found a crow
No, not that one, he had to know
A centrefold he then came across
Unfolding it, there saw a raven embossed
He read the description from word to word
Shuddering, a feeling came, making him scared
Turning to see the window open wide
The raven with flapping wings now inside
Then as the bird advanced Jack backed away
What was it doing here to eat or play
Noting it's sleek black head and twinkling eye
He espied his cricket bat was nearby
Defending himself he struck the first blow
Raven screeched loudly, which way would he go
A silent scream Jack could hardly make to do
The bat thrown wildly, followed by his shoe
As the dawn's light slowly filled Jack's bedroom
Jack opened his eyes to see room festooned
Black feathers were all scattered here and there
Recalling last night's events was just a blur
He did not remember the raven's call
No raven found, just bird tracks in the hall.
Copyright © Theresa Stephens | Year Posted 2014
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