‘Only Feathers Will Remain’

[dropcap]A [/dropcap] hunter pulls his trigger

A bullet pierces a bird’s wing

She lies writhing, crying

Crows caw as they can’t sing

 

Only the bird knows that

If she can’t fly, she is dead

She even wishes that

The bullet had pierced her heart instead

 

Now she just feels the unceasing pain

Hears the cacophony of caws

And waits for her salvation

Amid beaks and claws

 

The hunter doesn’t know or care

Whether bird is injured or dead

His reputation as a crack shot

Has already gone to his head

 

Soon only feathers will remain

Admirers will celebrate his skills

And all those with guns

Shall aspire for similar kills.