murder

Tristan Robert Lange

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.
  • Author: Tristan Robert Lange (Offline Offline)
  • Published: April 30th, 2025 08:34
  • Category: Unclassified
  • Views: 18
Get a free collection of Classic Poetry ↓

Receive the ebook in seconds 50 poems from 50 different authors


Comments +

Comments8

  • sorenbarrett

    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

    • Tristan Robert Lange

      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! πŸ™πŸ¦β€β¬›πŸͺ¦πŸ–€πŸ»πŸŒ«οΈ

    • arqios

      Brought back to mind thousands of knee-high raptors of Jurassic Park, β€œpecking” and tearing away at hapless larger victims. Excellent atmosphere in this poem! πŸ•ŠπŸ™πŸ»

      • Tristan Robert Lange

        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! πŸ™πŸ¦β€β¬›πŸͺ¦πŸ–€πŸ»πŸŒ«οΈ

        • arqios

          Locked in it is, indeed! πŸ•ŠπŸ™πŸ»

        • Salvia.S

          Haunting and beautifully descriptiveβ€”the imagery is rich, and the twist from eerie mystery to brutal reality is chillingly effective. Well done 🌹

          • Tristan Robert Lange

            Thank you, Salvia! Much appreciated, my friend. I am truly glad that the mystery, imagery, and twist delivered. Much appreciated! πŸ™πŸ¦β€β¬›πŸͺ¦πŸ–€πŸ»πŸŒ«οΈ

          • orchidee

            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.

            • Tristan Robert Lange

              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! πŸ€£πŸ™πŸ¦β€β¬›πŸͺ¦πŸ–€πŸ»πŸŒ«οΈ

            • Rose of Sharon

              Vivid Edgar Allen Poe- esque description; quite chilling! ☠️ πŸ₯€ πŸ”₯

              • Tristan Robert Lange

                Yessss! I am humbled by that, my friend. I am truly glad that the poem delivered and evoked Poe for you! Much appreciated! πŸ™πŸ¦β€β¬›πŸͺ¦πŸ–€πŸ»πŸŒ«οΈ

              • GenXer Shamrocker ☘️

                Grizzly for certain. A well written piece!

                • Tristan Robert Lange

                  Indeed. Thank you, my friend! Much appreciated! πŸ™πŸ¦β€β¬›πŸͺ¦πŸ–€πŸ»πŸŒ«οΈ

                • Tony Grannell

                  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.

                  • Tristan Robert Lange

                    About their business, indeed. Thank you so much, my dear friend! You time and astute feedback are always appreciated! πŸŒΉπŸ‘

                  • Thomas W Case

                    Dark and potent.



                  To be able to comment and rate this poem, you must be registered. Register here or if you are already registered, login here.