Thieving Magpie

 

You gather all that shines

bright — within her

as we watch her fade

before our eyes.

 

You begin —

with her breast

& she’s left with one.

Then her copper locks

fall prey & pray she does.

Believes she’s chased you off.

 

But, you’re a trickster —

sneak into her skull, peck away

at her spine, steal her legs —

a wheelchair, her cage.

 

In the end —

you rob us — of her.

 

Oh, lone magpie —

where will you hide

her glittering soul?