Le Voyage Magnifique

Witness

Black feathers flap and settle, as
the crow finds a meal ripe for picking.

         A visitor surveys the grisly sight,
         intent on spreading the word.

The bird begins to peck at rotting flesh,
while others gather to share the feast.

         Young Tim sets up his apparatus
         to preserve the scene for posterity.

Raucous cawing fills the putrid air
when corpse-laden hills become a banquet.

         People must know about this tragedy
         before our country can be healed.

A clap of the hands sends scavengers flying
from the blood-tarred flax of windblown hair.

         Daguerrotypes record their sacrifice
         for all the world to see.

The carrion crows can only watch,
while Mr. Lincoln solidifies the cause.

         Historians will always remember
         when he speaks, “Four score and seven years ago…”



May 3, 2012