The Crow Poem by Bill Simmons

Upon the midnight of the fortnight
On the first of the falling snow
Came the Owl upon yon window pane
Followed too by one black Crow

The Owl said to the Crow
'Do you not know what time it is?
This is night and not day
Are you confused, Is it like this? '

The Crow he cocked his head
He raised his beak as though to speak
But instead he stretched his wings
Pecked a moth upon his feet

The Owl he said, 'What is it now
Has a mouse he got your tongue?
I will gladly take that from you
For the night I fear no one

The night my friend belongs to me
If for food I never share
But curious yes, I am indeed
What is it that brings you here? '

The Crow he hopped along the sill
Through the window he peered in
Inside was the family of the farm
All asleep and quite tucked in

Still another word not said
He ruffled his feathers and turned his head
Quite content to still not speak
Against his feathers he wiped his beak

'You take great chances', said the Owl
'I often prey on the likes of you
If not for something other in mind
Perhaps next time you will do

I am the wisdom of all the forest night
Sharp are my claws and quiet is my flight
So stupid Crow who offers himself as meal
The next time we meet, I promise, I will'

The Owl he suddenly alofts high in the air
He swoops down on a hen that was sleeping near there
While standing on the hen and now devouring his prey
He looks back at the Crow who seems to patiently wait

'When I am done', said the Owl
'My quite annoying friend
If you still have not left
It will too be your end'

Suddenly from inside
A shot it rings out
A musket ball of the farmer
It found the old Owl

The Owl wounded
He alofts to the trees
But then just as abrupt
He falls to the leaves

The Crow too now alofts
But lands on the Owls chest
For the first time he speaks
Before the Owl's last breath

If true in wisdom you should know
I a Raven and not a Crow
The mark of death is why I come
A soul it dies and it is done

The Raven then he took to flight
And in the moonlight as he did soar
From the darkness he could be heard
As he cried out, nevermore.