crow arrives on nighttide
feathered aphotic revenant
slips in the window
while she sleeps
burrows its sharp beak
into her seasoned flesh
and tears at
the most tender morsels...
doubts
insecurities
fears
savors the sour flavors
of being hurt
of being fooled
of being played
again...
she learns not to sleep
stays ever vigilant
lest crow
swallow everything
her pride
her independence
her reason
her life...
in the morning light
she sometimes wonders
if crow is real
is a force without
or instead
lives within…
a black cancer
of bone and blood
cawing chaos, while
beating sharp wings
within each breath
scraping claws
through fragile capillaries
frantic to escape
its self-made
prison...
©️2023 jai
Image by Angel Milostan from Pixabay
On the Fringe of Darkness 
Reminds me of a painting we have here at the Philadelphia Museum of Art…”Prometheus Bound” by Rubens. It’s my favorite painting we have here in Philly so it’s fitting this is my favorite piece you have done as well.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I didn’t recall seeing the painting, so looked it up. So beautiful, and the colors still vivid after all these centuries. I can see why it’s a favorite of yours. I’m glad you enjoyed my poem, Stephen. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I always try to read between the lines. Jai, there’s depth in your lines. It sometimes scares, hurts, and brings tears. It mystifies with various emotions. 👏👏
LikeLiked by 1 person
I see from your response that you “get” poetry, which the majority of people don’t. A lot of its meaning is hidden between the lines. One has to look to find it. Thank you for looking. 🙏🏻
LikeLiked by 1 person
Alas! Once self-imprisoned, it is difficult to break free.
dark and delightful, Jai.
Love it😊🤍
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Destiny. I have a love/hate relationship with crows, and have used them quite a few times in poems and short stories. They’re smart and crafty, and I think, a bit evil. 😊💜
LikeLiked by 2 people
I like how you describe them. The evil part is a given😁 smart and crafty… I like😁
Most welcome, Jai🤍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another favorite. Perfectly weaved then wrapped with a bow. 🖤💀
LikeLiked by 3 people
A black bow, of course. 😊 Thank you, Rann. 🖤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Such imagery…❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Sister. ❤️
LikeLike