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