As the Crow Flies

As the crow flies

While walking and reading in Pennsylvania,
I noticed from the corner of my eye…

…not far from my feet was a crow,
with a string of carrion in his beak stretching
from the road.

I looked him in the eye. He did not move.

That was 1988.

In 2008, walking in Seattle, I felt a low steady presence in the sky.

Following me, perching in trees, on lampposts,and fences…

…was a crow.

I stopped and looked him in the eye.

He continued to follow me until…

I went inside for cover.

Two true stories.