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Judges

I heard the crows
while walking today.
They cried from high trees,
perched like watchmen
sending out a call to arms,
warning of some unforeseen
mischief, an omen, perhaps,
for another day.
I stopped to listen,
watched as they flew from
one branch to another,
voices rising,
their black robes worn
like high court judges,
keen eyes on the world below,
allowing me to pass
as I considered their
abrupt, discerning
silence.

About This Poem

Style/Type: Free verse

Review Request Intensity: I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back

Editing Stage: Editing - rough draft

About the Author

Country/Region: United States

Favorite Poets: I tend to read Ted Kooser, Jim Harrison, Billy Collins, Paul Simon, Robert Frost. I like minimalist poetry, and poems reflecting on nature and Mother Earth.

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Comments

Seren

Seren

2 years 5 months ago

Dear L

You've made me rethink the image of my crows on the back fence, I'll now see their black robes sitting in judgement.

This is a very clever write. I can't find one thing I'd change.

Brava

Hugs Jayne x

Lavender

Lavender

2 years 5 months ago

Hello, Jayne,

Crows are so spiritual and intellectual - so mysterious. They were cawing wildly, and then when I passed by, they just stopped. A bit eerie.
Thank you for reading, my friend!
L

RoseBlack

RoseBlack

2 years 5 months ago

They are rather judgmental

Normally they sit on the telephone wire looking down. I used to watch them while swimming at my parents and they always seemed to be watching what I was doing. Now I will wonder what they are there thinking. A clever...enjoyable write. Well done.

Lavender

Lavender

2 years 5 months ago

Hello, Carrie,

I know you love birds, too. Crows just seem to be so independent and wise. I don't think they answer to anyone but themselves. I just love them, and I hope they kinda like me back.
Thank you for reading! I always appreciate your comments!
L

Clentin

Clentin

2 years 4 months ago

Very accurate picture. I

Very accurate picture. I never thought about it much but now that I have read the poem it, I have seen this scene many many times!

Clentin

Clentin

2 years 4 months ago

Very accurate picture. I

Very accurate picture. I never thought about it much but now that I have read the poem it, I have seen this scene many many times!

Lavender

Lavender

2 years 4 months ago

Hello, Clentin,

The more I witness these amazing birds, the more I love them! A bit of magic in our own backyards!
Thank you for reading,
L

lovedly

lovedly

2 years 4 months ago

crows are jet black they judge

like black bats or blacker cats
far distant Saturn doesn't know
what is white
what sblack
so they are all here
one night's judge
LAV

Lavender

Lavender

2 years 4 months ago

Hi, Lovedly,

I always appreciate your time! I never really noticed that they looked like judges' robes until I felt their eyes on me as I passed. :)
Thank you!
Lav