Black Ibis Poem by Barry Middleton

a glossy ibis passed my way
and turned to south as if to say
that I must too some somber day

the darkest nomad came alone
as if a tropic wind had blown
to bring him to my peaceful home

I saw at once he bode no good
and I would flee if I yet could
but I was frozen where I stood

a message clear was in the air
the bird was sent to simply bear
reminders of my cold despair

for night must fall as it may seem
upon a dark and ebon stream
where ibis haunt my dismal dream