A Conference Of Crows ~ A poem by Paul Waring

A Conference Of Crows

They paint black coats
on fence poles, perched
close to the waterfront

arms behind backs
stern as schoolmasters
in gowns at assembly

stare fearless into wind
raging from Irish Sea
taking turns to caw

strategy in corvid code.
A morning conference
with murderous intent –

shared intelligence
about feeding grounds,
comings and goings

and timing of raids
from nearby nests;
family and friends

await news broken
like fresh-baked bread –
the agenda for the day.

Paul Waring

First published by Rat’s Ass Review, 2017

Paul Waring’s poems have been published in a number of journals, anthologies and online magazines. He was awarded second place in the 2019 Yaffle Prize and commended in the Welshpool Poetry Competition. ‘Quotidian’, his debut pamphlet, is published by Yaffle Press. His WordPress site is https://waringwords.blog and he tweets at @drpaulwaring

Photo credit @hannes_wolf at http://www.unsplash.com