Old Poem

I haven't posted anything for awhile. Here's a poem I wrote many years ago based on a real life family incident.

REQUIEM FOR A FEATHERWEIGHT

The bird had shown some signs of dying
Long before it was our family's turn
To make a pleasant evening for the Pastor
Who in return, was rendering, just for us,
A reverent, though obligatory prayer.

But still, we were surprised when half-way through,
The cage began to turn upon its hook
And sprinkle light green feathers on the floor.
The bird, deciding then, he'd die full tilt,
Writhed and shrieked his way aroung the cage
Right through my sister's scream, which broke
The prayer in mid-petition.

Our guest, meanwhile, embarrassed for a time,
Recovered to his everlasting credit
And, improvising deftly on the spot,
Intoned a mini-requium for birds
To drop the budgie neatly in his tracks.

Afterwords I thought it skillful
Our parakeet could wrest a blessing
From a fleshly paraclete, though I suppose
Technically, a sparrow, should he fall,
Registers as sure, and dies as well.