Aflockalypse

In the woods behind our house
are eyes I cannot see,
camouflaged reminders
no one’s waiting up for me.

When I venture
amongst the maple trees,
I’ve no idea how many spies
with fortress-like obsidian eyes
peek between branches,
tracking my advances,
strength of boots on frozen roots,
echoing screams.

When hunger overcomes them,
they dive bomb from their perches
congregations released from churches —
kinglet, sparrow, chickadee,
a holy crusade
requires anonymity.

Swooping to discover
I’ve already been eaten
by doubt, fear, and anxiety.
What is left to rifle through
is dryer than the winter woods
and poisonous to consume.

Cover Art: “In the Heart of the Wood and What I Found There” by Richard Moult

Judy Henske “High Flying Bird”

7 responses to “Aflockalypse”

100 Country Trek

These so many birds 🐦 Anita

LikeLiked by 1 person

Reply
1. K.F. Hartless
  
  I know. We are outnumbered, for sure.
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply
johnlmalone

wow ! what an amazing evocative painting; your words do justice to it; and that punning title — brilliant; and that dolorous, kick-ass ending !

LikeLiked by 1 person

Reply
1. K.F. Hartless
  
  Thank you kindly, John. My winter walks are not as solitary as I imagined. I’m so glad you enjoyed this creepy little poem.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
  Reply
  1. johnlmalone
    
    you were alert to what was around you, K and you recorded your impressions to it well —
    
    LikeLike
J M Negi

Nice tweeting with and for birds, but yes something creeps towards the end. Thanks.

LikeLike

Reply
pandamoniumcat

Very good. I really enjoyed reading this dark little poem.

LikeLike

Reply