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.