This poem was long in writing and re-editing. It speaks of snow and birds and a breakfast table. Leaving for school becomes more than just stepping outside. And the scholarly snowy owl is indeed a raptor.




breaking fast

 checkered cotton cloth on the table
mountain ridges from sloppy ironing
sprinkled whole wheat crumbs

of departed toast

 

Pick up your home work, she said

and don't forget your gym shorts

it's a cold day today

be sure to wear your mittens and the bobble cap grandma knitted

else you'll disappoint her

 

  how would grandma know
  if not told

 by you?

 

In the ice dragon morning petrified trees

offered little shelter to beggars,

finches, tits and sparrows,
clamoring for the few seeds and cinnamon rinds

 

  the summer birds have left this country
  commuting refugees
  darting swifts across the sea

 

Make sure to be on time, the newspaper said

black coffee and a unfiltered cigarett

you don't want to be late

you'd better not be late

 

 Â  Athena's bird





Poetry by Katarina Wikholm
Read 622 times
Written on 2012-11-09 at 15:41

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countryfog
Snowy owls have become something of an endangered species here as woods and fields have become subdivisions and strip malls, though somewhat common farther north where there is still safe habitat.

This is an endearing and enduring poem, remembrance and reverence, the commonplace and the classical.
2012-11-10