screech owl

a hedge-rowed lane
deep into dusk
driving on full beam
I catch the arcs of your wings
as you swing from left to right
hedge-top high
scanning the tarmac’s breadth
for a vole or shrew
determined to make the run
scuttering from verge to verge
never mind being rubbed out by tyres
it’s you that sends them scurrying
with tiny hearts leaping
little black bulbous eyes
seeking safety in darkness
with your atonal screeching
in their outsize ears

tonight your form is invisible
but your screeching betrays you
circling huge suburban houses
scouring freshly striped lawns
between copper beech hedges
for all the cheery displays of cherry blossom
the bright dance of daffodils
the hope of spring is countered
by your dreadful pale countenance
your young must be fed

~

CLP 27/04/2025