KAW

KAW

How do I get you out of my house
when the window stays open
the candle lit? How do I stop
the melancholy that returns to
roost?

Oh, this knot tied
against the roof of my mouth
at the back of my throat
knuckled around my voice
in air laden with its breath
of Sweet Vitriol putting to rest
any resistance.

The crow I hatched
comes to "kaw" on the sill again
to spill again. Try as I may
I cannot close the window
in it hops, wings flap along-side
so I feed the bird.

With its yellow talons 
on the sheets beside
among droppings
peckings from my ribs
dye white cotton, red.

The means is to my end
but I am happy it's alive!
I am relieved that it still "is!"
even so knowing

I am only food.