To The Raven On Hurricane Ridge Poem by Rebecca Duncan

We supposed that the raven sought us out

And had some familial purpose

As we picnicked on Hurricane Ridge

It came closer and closer still

Landing in an evergreen tree near us

Talons clutching a needled branch

Examining us with first one eye then the other

From this angle and that

Feathers dark and shiny

Awash with jewel tone tints

The colors of a prism

A pallette of oil on water

Slick, sleek, winged dinosaur

How long have you lived here?

How many generations are you?

How many high miles have you flown?

How many creatures have you seen?

And who has seen you?




You came to us that day

Two cousins, two women of a certain age

Sharing DNA and the history of a generation past

Meeting, finally, after many years.

Raven, did you recognize us as we recognized you?

We supposed that you are our mutual ancestor

Taken on the Raven’s cloak to listen in

As we belatedly befriended one another

To see your progeny, your descendents

To see if we are quick enough to recognize you

Quick enough to know that you are not a raven at all