—after Crows by Unknown, Japan

In perpetual silhouette
perform against bronze.  As exhausted
dancers, undressed behind
a scrim, the suggestion of nakedness
more erotic than…
En masse, they argue and flee
between slim sessions of peace. This
is existence: pain leashed
or unleashed.
Wings press against ribs in politesse
or unfurl in demonstrations
of power.  When it’s over,
crows remain as debris, Ebony confetti,
wrecking more the wrecked world.