Author as Carrion
(Inspired by The Twa Corbies)
Two ravens perch above the author’s body.
“Here lies a fool who knows not their worth!”
“They likely thought themselves foolish from birth!”
“Did they smell, not wash, or are filth-wrought?”
“Not anymore than most, & not half as they thought.”
“At least their flesh was not soiled by a lover.”
“True, for the only touch they knew was the hug of a brother!”
“What of their brain? Is it sour with darkness?”
“It’s sweetened with love and joy, be my stark guess.”
“Was it man, woman, both, or neither?”
“Though he felt like they couldn’t. She could be either!”
“Will they stink of hate, or taste of kind?”
“Compassion filled them from bone to rind!”
“They’ll be a sweet meal, memorable & tasteful!”
“Pity that with their self-love they were wasteful!”
Then the author wakes, and in a panic, stands and hurries away.
“I sigh with hunger, let’s seek some lamb, maybe foal!”
“Or with some luck, another poor soul!”
