Crow Ballet

In the darkened theater a late arrival takes its perch.



Light comes up on a scene of torn passions.



A contrite beloved acknowledges error.

 

A shadowy rival hovers overhead,



threatening to divide their affections.

 

 

 

 

 

Oh woe! It presses close.



An adroit twist parries the intruder.



A benediction of majesty comes from the wings.

Crow Combat

Snowy Owl

This story opens with an honest predator resting after a successful kill.


 




Neighborhood vigilantes take matters into their own claws. They awaken the snoozing POI (predator of interest.) They suspect that the dark smear around its beak might be the blood of a fellow avian.

The crows know an Undesirable when they see one. They mobilize swift justice.


 

The POI takes the high perch in self-defense. But telltale blood excites the crows to conviction.


 

The POI rotates its view of things to deny an opening for attack.


 

But its lethal claws, gripping the promontory, are unavailable for the contest.


 

The crows slice in from alternate directions to pummel the back of its head.


 




The attackers careen off after each sortie gaining altitude and acceleration for the next dive.

The Dark Knights of the Air, recalling night raids on their nest, drive their daylight advantage to victory.
 

Crow Socials

A solitary crow doesn't make much sense, because it's rare in nature. When they're together they're given to kibitzing about life. A crow separated from the crowd starts calling around to get its community bearings.

 
It's likely to fly up high or perch on a lookout to get reconnected, to see and be seen. Often times a few mild clucks or caws is enough to draw it companionably close.

In togetherness crows can relax to soothe life's little imperfections and restore order to feathered souls.

They mark such blessed moments with affection, with the surety that sharing feelings sustains relationships.

From there it's no problem to welcome a third brethren into the harmony of Three Amigos on a Wire.

Once bonded, they're prepared for the bigger tests of sustenance and survival.

 
Going it alone is chancy. There are hazards and heavyweights out there in the big wide world.

Quarry Scrolls

I am pleased to make available for purchase Quarry Scrolls, a portfolio of 25 photographs taken at Halibut Point, each with an accompanying haiku poem.

The book measures 6 x 9 inches. The $20.00 cost per copy includes sales tax and shipping. Please send payment to:

Martin Ray

22 Rockwood Lane

Gloucester, MA  01930 

When requesting multiple copies, reduce the price per book by one dollar for each book ordered, up to five copies ($15 ea). Inquiries at mhray1@juno.com. 


 

Autumn Leaves

Two tales of desire

          compose their calligraphy

on witness of stone.

 

 

 

 

Sunlight stirs, leaves shine,

     flower bows before the gleam

of sudden wingbeats.

 

 

 

An owl, completing

    its hieroglyph, takes care

not to tip the stone.

 

 

 

Did quarrymen

      drilling alongside the sea

put clouds in the sky?