Mysteries
The robins have been singing for hours
when the crows awaken with raucous chatter
shattering the morning peace with treetop banter
leaves shake, and branches quake, a squirrel squawks back,
but the crows continue to squabble–about mundane chores,
the everyday–yet keeping watch for hawks and eagles,
daring to yell at them, too. They strut across the grass, kings
and queens, then launch with elongated wings outspread,
to look for food or treasures. Finding some or finding none,
never mind, not nevermore, they cry with knowledge of the past,
millions of years of wisdom.
Listen.
Listen to the crows. Black feathers shake as they exhort,
not a murder, but a plan. Fate, justice, the circle of time?
They know what is known. And the mysteries beyond
what we can see—what could, what might be.
For dVerse, where Ingrid has asked us to write about corvids. Most of you probably know I love crows. I was watching a crow couple at the park this morning. They were arguing in a tree, and they seemed like an old married couple. This is a first draft, written quickly.😏
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
With all the confidence the crow must have all that knowledge… great poem, I love how you paint them
Thank you very much. They do seem to have so much wisdom.
When I saw the subject I almost counted down before seeing yours pop up 😉 I know your love for crows and also know you could not resist this one. Which you have done with your wonderful flair!
Thank you so much, Dale! 😊
😊
I am sure the crows possess some ancient wisdom of which we have lost sight. Love this, Merril!
Thank you so much, Ingrid. I think they must. They adapt to all sorts of places and situations.
Stunning work done, Merril 😀 I especially love; “Black feathers shake as they exhort,
not a murder, but a plan.” Yes! ❤️❤️
Thank you so much, Sanaa! ❤️❤️
Wonderful play on words, Merril.
Thank you, Ken!
I love this ode to crows! It feels so vital and alive.
Thank you very much, Liz. I’m so pleased it does!
You’re welcome, Merril!
The first stanza played well to the sounds and sights of the raucous place. Love the listening bit to the crows – what mysteries they can tell.
Thank you, Grace. They are so much fun to watch and listen to. I’m sure they could tell us so much.
This is wonderful from start to finish. I especially like the last stanza. Well, you know how I feel about crows. (K)
Thank you so much, Kerfe. And you know I love them, too. 😊
I love the personality traits you posited for the crows — “ They strut across the grass, kings and queens”. Man, don’t they ever — arrogant creatures. Excellent write Merril.
Thank you so much, Rob. They make me laugh when they strut like that. They have such personality.
A mysterious & haunting ode to the past. Love the opening scene/setting.
Thank you so much, Frank. I’m pleased you enjoyed it.
Very well done. I like the way you make the crows become the holders of the past present and future! I like your tweak of a reference to Poe!
Thank you so much, Dwight. Poe just slipped in, and I let him stay. 😏
I thought it was a perfect slip!
Thank you!😊
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” Finding some or finding none,
never mind, not nevermore, they cry with knowledge of the past,
millions of years of wisdom.”
Such enlightenment in these lines. We think we know it all, but no.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful reading. We certainly do not know it all.
Yes, you’re right about the millions of years of wisdom, and we have the nerve to call their colonies a ‘murder’ of crows.
Thank you. Yes. Sigh.
Dwight got there first with the Raven touch. This looks more than a draft
Thank you so much, Derrick. That’s very kind.
Beautiful poem! 🙂
Thank you!😊
I could see this worked into a really amazing haibun, too.
Thank you very much. Perhaps. . .😊
So very well done!!! It is especially amazing as a first draft, ‘quickly written’. It is definitely a poem that makes you stop and think…and wonder.
Thank you so much, Linda. I’m so pleased you think so.
I am also a lover of crows…your poem portrays them well.
Thank you very much.
Such a beautiful poem! So many great lines and so vivid.
Thank you so much!
How quick we are to label or dismiss others on the basis of appearances! Crows are a delight to watch. Love this, Merril. 💙
Thank you so much, Punam! 💙
This is outstanding, Merril!
Thank you so much!😊
Marvellous. Hello. 😊
Thank you.