Albatross

[Hawkman]

I’m weary of this load upon my breast;
the cord from which it hangs
is biting on my neck
and all the while, the odour of it’s sickly flesh
pervades the very air I breathe.

In sleep it’s set aside, dangling like dog-tags
from the rifle of a fallen friend,
but waking – back again, so many names,
a catalogue inscribed in scars
upon the pendant sea-bird’s chest.

Long past time to cast this burden off,
amputate it as I would a septic limb -
better incomplete than poisoned by its taint.
There, a cut, a slash – and I am free.
Now let the maggots feast.

[Delta40]

Ugh! but I mean that in a complimentary way....

[hillwalker]

Hawk taking on the role of the Ancient Mariner - and drawing his 'rime' to a gruesome conclusion.

Most enjoyable - and unexpected.

H

[YesNo]

It occurred to me that the maggots probably started feasting shortly after the bird was shot which might account for the sickly odor.

I once had a dog who killed some chickens. A neighbor of mine told me to tie one of the dead birds around the dog's neck and that should cure him of chasing chickens. Being young at the time, I did what the old man said. After reading your poem, I wonder if my neighbor was confusing Coleridge's poem with sound folk wisdom. All I know is my dog loved it.

[beautiful_heart]

I am agree with Hillwalker. This poem reminds me of "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner." I like it. :-)

[Hawkman]

Delta; hill & bh: Thank you all for reading and finding something to enjoy here.

Y/N: Flies have to settle to lay their eggs. While the bird was round the N's neck he was probably waving them off - lol. In the meantime micro-organsims would have been incubated within the carcas which would definiately have made it a bit whiffy! As for your doggy tale, I bet he did!

Live long and prosper - H

[aliengirl]

A grisly incident turned into a funny poem! Such a pleasure to read. :)

[Twota]

Funny, I like it. :D

[Hawkman]

Alien Girl & Twota: I guess you guys must be Goths :D Thanks for reading anyway.