Craving the Crow Gossip

        Photo by Rachel Hoyt. No reuse without permission. © Rachel Hoyt 2011

I've always felt the crows that congregate near me
were the most ominous animals I ever did see.
Constantly squawking to all their buddies around them,
I assume, discussing all the things that astound them.

This week I found myself wanting to join in...
"Hey there crow friends... Tom? Greg? Jim?"
I'm not sure they can understand what I say,
but it doesn't matter, they all just flew away.

I think crows are the animal gossip queens --
flying near and far, discussing others' dreams.
Some of them must have some semi-educated opinions
on the birds that recently fell in mass from their dominions.

Was it the unfortunate byproduct of a secret military test?
Or were the bigger, stronger birds ganging up on the rest?
Did cell phone radar harm them like it does our honey bees?
Or are there dragons hunting them up high above the trees?

A punishment for repealing DADT? That's one theory I hear.
Or, perhaps they encountered aliens who were hovering near.
I suppose it could be simultaneous stress caused mortality --
the type a masochist flock leader wouldn't care to foresee.

Whatever it is, I think those crows have a hunch...
No, it's more than that --  I think they know quite a bunch.
What if they're the mobsters of the animal kingdom?
What if their thugs killed those poor birds for fun?!

To be on the safe side I won't make another attempt
to talk to the crows who already showed me contempt.
But I sure hope the powers that be explain it better and real soon --
'cuz "It actually happens all the time" doesn't wipe out the gloom.

Come to think of it, now I've got double the worry!
The crows, they hang out all around me, you see?!
Where's a good bird crime detective when you need one, eh?
Oh well. I'm sure the government will reveal the cause to us someday.

© Rachel Hoyt 2011

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Wanted: Seeing Eye Birds

I've worked at an office in Goleta since 2008,
and think we need to help the birds before it's too late.
I now know of two that have flown right into a transformer...
If you were that blind you'd want someone to warn ya.

Perhaps some of the wealthier residents nearby,
would be interested in giving bird training a try.
Or if they aren't looking for a new pastime,
they could finance the foundation... that'd be fine!

You see, what we need is some seeing eye birds,
that could sit watch and, when needed, make their voices heard.
This caring act could prevent a future power outage,
or worse, another fire which could destroy the townage.

Also please, if you know a smart bird who's up for the task,
and would let him sit in the sun each day and bask...
Bring him or her to Goleta to lend a helping hand,
because seeing eye birds are in very high demand.

© Rachel Hoyt 2010 - 2011