A Crow, for Endings
by Rae Spencer
Tool user, problem solver, raucous
Riot of feather and roost
Claw and call
Calm morning split by the caw
As raiders probe for careless
Garbage, rob the songster’s nest
Or mob unwary hawks
Graced with mischief and a mocking
Tongue, inquisitive eye and quick
Invitation to speculation
That the fish thief, scavenger ghost
Harbinger bird flocked by the murder
Might turn graveyard host or guide
For any fresh spirit, lost without their flesh
Bio: Rae Spencer is a writer and veterinarian living in Virginia. Her poetry has been published in Grey Sparrow Journal, vox poetica, The Glass Coin, Sliver of Stone, The Foundling Review, and elsewhere. In 2009, she received a Pushcart Prize nomination.
Author’s Comment: This poem’s title is taken from a poem, “Aviary”, which I wrote some time back. “Aviary” explored the use of birds as metaphor. The birds stayed with me, demanding more attention and space than I allowed them in the original work. Eventually each bird (or pair of birds) matured into an individual poem.
Wild Goose Poetry Review 
I love your poem, Rae. I watched show on PBS twice about crows and was fascinated with their super intelligence. Your poem is as fascinating as the show or moreso! Wonderful!! Thanks for sharing.
Love,
Jeanette G.
Jeanette,
I saw that show! It was amazing!
Rae
Reviewing these details, it is no surprise that the crow plays such a strong role in the mythology of so many cultures. I love “murder of crows” although I equally like when the group is called a “council,” both seem very appropriate. Beautiful soundplay throughout this poem.