Issue Eleven - September 2007

Terrorism

By Ingrid Karnikis

I
June 29th, 2006 - noon
    
Plotting strategies in strident tones
the robins begin to attack.
"The head, the head", they shrill
and swoop to circle the cherry tree;
on course to assail the enemy.

Owl stands unflinching on the garden gate,
regal in feathered gray.
They dive at him; yellow beaks
prodding his cowled head,  
while saint-like he bears the siege 
in  silence

II
June 30th, 2006 - 4:30 AM

In the quiet
yellow light of morning.
all is not well.  
Cries of distress from the cherry tree
peeping notes of terror.
Owl rises silent on thick gray wings
a limp nestling in his talons. 

III
June 30th, 2006 - 6:00 PM

In Baghdad a gun butt
splinters an ancient door. 
Shots echo.
Veiled women,
eyes bright with alarm,
rush bewildered children silently 
through tortuous alleys.

Copyright 2007 Ingrid Karnikis

Ingrid Karnikis and her husband George have lived on Orcas for 35 years. Her primary job has been mother and wife. Her four children, now grown up, all went to school on Orcas. Ingrid has been writing poetry for many years and was published In Unity Magazine and in local collections. She draws inspiration from the natural world and from our mysterious human nature.

All work by