All these self-important men in black strut
upright across the lawn, pronouncing verdicts
confidently to the air. Wigs slipped across
their eyes, they do not see that no one cares.
Their clattering is nothing but stray noise.
The garden was full of them this morning, all I could hear was their constant chatter!
(10.07.26)
© Ben Quant 2026
Photo by Lisette Harzing on Unsplash
Stationary upon its scaffolding pole,
The cowled jackdaw keeps its eery stare,
An ancient watch atop a modern perch.
Its mate descends to claim a cold partner;
A twitch of midnight feathers and it too
Stands still, two beaks in frozen parallel.
I turn to look with them, wondering what
They watch so motionless. I can not tell;
What plane do these four focused eyes perceive?
I shudder sensing that they see elsewhere,
Penetrating flesh and blood and bones
Perceiving naked souls hiding within.
The house behind ours is currently having an extension built and the local jackdaws have abandoned our trees for the tops of its scaffolding poles.
(02.05.26)
© Ben Quant 2026
Photo by Daniil Komov on Unsplash
Ode for the Day 