MAGPIES

One for sorrow.

Alone on a Birch. Monotone in dress and monotone in life, Waiting to steal, Waiting to kill. Two for joy.

Another on the branch, Together at last. The end of a life apart, The beginning of a first love.

Three for a girl.

She watches him closely, She waits for a break, A break in time, A break in his gaze.

Four for a boy

He sees her eyeing him, He sneaks a glance of his own, She is ready, He has no choice but to join her.

Five for silver. Looking for a glimpse, Something to cling to, Amid the busy outside world. Together. Six for gold.

Treasure amongst the chaos, A scurry to reach it, One succeeds, Alone.

Seven for a secret that’s never been told. One returns to her nest. The other makes no sound. She lets out a screech, As if the first was still by her side, A secret no one must tell.

By Catherine Hill