I heard them before I saw them
The big black birds flapping their wings like oars
A group overhead loosely organized into a flock
Calling uh-huh uh-huh or unh-unh unh-unh.
As if expressing agreement or disagreement
As if discussing their next destination
Continuing their contest of vocalization
Until achieving a consensus of crows.
A bird that gave its name to a straw man
As if it could be kept away by a scarecrow
A bird that lives with all that animosity attached
Knows full well the threat of hostile humans.
A bird with the intelligence to teach its young
How to survive and thrive in this dangerous world
Annoying the people who want them gone
Delighting those who prefer to live and let live.
The crow feet etched with age next to my eyes
The humiliation of eating crow being wrong
The prideful taunting of crowing over being right
A mobbing murder of crows so ominous.
This bird perches itself in our language
Speaking to us words we don't all want to hear
Always keeping a safe distance from us
Knowing to beware of our approach.
