there are buildings in a field
guarded by crows and the heavy veil of crying clouds
a crowd of children rush for safety,
swiftly to keep their tails from being bitten
come along, come along. don’t stray behind!
if one trails astray
eyes would prey
mouths would shrink and curve to the floor
come along fool, anyday fool
when the doors shut tight
there’d be no more light
in the eyes of a child left behind
in the courtyard, they assume different forms
boys would grow horns
girls would sprout thorns
stragglers would lose their feet
as they’re chased down through patches of wheat
above, above
the clouds darken
above, the crows swim in schools
forming oily pools
wisps of black feathers that blot out the sky
coordinated swoops
harmonious loops
a dance and a caw
not a single flaw
the stragglers try to run
as the children have their fun
come along, come along, they said
come seek safety in the Castle of Crows
Cedar Ridge High School
12