Carrion-bird

The Dark Tower harbors an orange carrion-bird
In a gilded cage readying for flight
Before a mirror it preens in sunshine
Talons staccato clack and echo
In revenge ritual dance
Across the polished marble

In brooding isolation it awaits
Night’s safest hour to swoop
And tells itself it’s the prettiest bird
The strongest bird
The cleverest bird
Puffing up its plumage

But beyond the windows
Eagles wheel in ready eager patience
To harass the red-topped cocks it emboldens
Who harm the greater flock
Until they tire of the gauntlet and fly far, far away
Or lay with broken wings crimson

©Heather Kilbourn