the black mass was astounding, spellbinding, and mesmerizing as it took up what seemed to be at least ten to twelve feet. but there was something off about this particular shadow that was rippling and shifting like an inky oil spill that was glimmering in the bright, dazzling sunlight on a brisk, autumn day.
the closer the vantage point the more this mass grew into what appeared like a weird tarp, weaved with obsidian strands that seemed to pulse, shift, and even lift up as if an unseen force was pulling it upward into flight. the sound was that of a hissing rain pattering on dry leaves, the sound producing the sharpest chills within.
advancing closer it became even more noticeable that this was no tarp, but a rather large flock of black birds that immediately began to caw. this was no flock, but a murder of ravenous crows pecking and tearing the ruined rotting flesh of some ungodly large beast that, at this point, looked like a grotesque mix of midnight, chewed leather, ground meat, sun-dried ribs, and entrails;
the black bear the latest fatality on death’s hellish highway, providing carrion life to those who thrive on mortality.
© 2025 Tristan Robert Lange. All rights reserved.
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Author:
Tristan Robert Lange (
Offline) - Published: April 30th, 2025 08:34
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 22
- Users favorite of this poem: NinjaGirl
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Comments9
A grizzly picture , black the sight and dark the thought. Life that was now passed. Animals we knew going away. We have changed all. A vivid poem with a strong message. Very nicely crafted
Thank you. A grizzly image indeed, one that I saw on the road just two days ago, though I am not sure what animal they were actually feasting on. Good thing for my imagination. I understand why they are called a murder now! 🤣 But that left me contemplating the grotesque beauty and stark reality of that scene. Glad that the poem, its imagery, and its message delivered, my friend. I truly value and look forward to your feedback. Much appreciated! 🙏🐦⬛🪦🖤🐻🌫️
Brought back to mind thousands of knee-high raptors of Jurassic Park, “pecking” and tearing away at hapless larger victims. Excellent atmosphere in this poem! 🕊🙏🏻
Yes. The murder of crows could be a pack of raptors for sure. That would definitely work...well! Ooh, and the ferocity. There s no doubt they were prehistoric, flightless birds with a ravenous hunger. That image is now firmly locked in! 🤣 Thank you so much, my friend, for your time, film recollection, and feedback. Always appreciated! 🙏🐦⬛🪦🖤🐻🌫️
Locked in it is, indeed! 🕊🙏🏻
Haunting and beautifully descriptive—the imagery is rich, and the twist from eerie mystery to brutal reality is chillingly effective. Well done 🌹
Thank you, Salvia! Much appreciated, my friend. I am truly glad that the mystery, imagery, and twist delivered. Much appreciated! 🙏🐦⬛🪦🖤🐻🌫️
That person has been waiting too long at the bus stop. Someone should have told him/her they changed the route 500 years ago! lol.
Indeed. They missed that memo. Clearly! It's not the dang birds' fault! They're just cleaning up after an airhead! 🤣 Thank you so much, my friend. And, the crows really do thank you for your affirmation as well. They were ready to murder me over leaving that detail out. Whew. Saved by Orchi! 🤣🙏🐦⬛🪦🖤🐻🌫️
Vivid Edgar Allen Poe- esque description; quite chilling! ☠️ 🥀 🔥
Yessss! I am humbled by that, my friend. I am truly glad that the poem delivered and evoked Poe for you! Much appreciated! 🙏🐦⬛🪦🖤🐻🌫️
Grizzly for certain. A well written piece!
Indeed. Thank you, my friend! Much appreciated! 🙏🐦⬛🪦🖤🐻🌫️
This is so well written, I was engrossed from start to finish. This is nature as it truly is; fierce, ugly and unapologetic as a murder of crows go about their daily business. Well done Tristan. Excellent and then some.
All the best,
Tony.
About their business, indeed. Thank you so much, my dear friend! You time and astute feedback are always appreciated! 🌹👏
Dark and potent.
Thank you, Thomas! Much appreciated!!!
I love settings like this...something about a rainy autumn day is so haunting and romantic...daunting and charismatic. I love this poem!
Thank you so much, my friend! Your time, thoughts, and fave are very much valued and appreciated! I am humbled that you faved it and found it both haunting and romantic in its setting...and obviously the grizzly nature of what is going on...and yet, yes. Beauty. It is romantic, even. Nature. The way it is all-encompassing. Mesmerizing, Life. Death. A circle. A cycle. It humbles me, because this was what I was feeling as I physically saw the murder of crows, which is what inspired the poem. It was so brilliant, beautiful, ugly, frightening, scary, exhilarating, enigmatic...all of that. And yes, the autumn setting. There is something about an autumn day. Something mystical. The event I saw was just a week or so ago, but I chose the autumn setting because of the allure it has on me and how fitting it was. Anyway, I am rambling at this point. But I am so stoked that the poem came across as it did, my friend. Thank you for sharing. 🙏🐦⬛🪦🖤🐻🌫️
It's autumn somewhere in the world! Something about ravens and autumn go so well together.
Indeed. They really do just belong together, which is what made it so jarring to see in the spring time! But hey, they gotta eat no matter the season 🤣...that, and death does not discriminate. ☠️ Thanks again, my friend.
Death is the great equalizer.
Indeed.
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