Zen Ravens

Zen Ravens

The tamer roared with drunken breath.
A can of beer
And bag of scraps
In place of whip and chair,
With these he sought
To tame the ravens,
The denizens of Zen.

The tamer hobbled with twisted legs.
A scrawny chest
And scraggy mane
In place of wings and feathers,
With these he sought
To calm the ravens,
The denizens of Zen.

The tamer offered with upraised arms.
A hand of crumbs
And pile of noodles,
With these he sought
To lure the ravens,
The denizens of Zen.

The Ravens circled with wary eyes.
A flap of wings,
And caws of courage,
With these they sought
To daunt the tamer,
The intruder of Zen.

His soul beseeched with silent voice.
A grizzled face
And toothless smile,
With these he won
To friend the ravens,
The denizens of Zen.