Crow Boys

This poem was one among others in my set that won the Lucy Hall Gordon Prize.

I was staring out the window when they caught my eye.

They were gathered on my neighbor’s shed.

A trampoline placed underneath, bound

in place by boys with sharp angled bones.

They seemed awfully threatening in tight black jeans

all lined up, like black-beaded thread.

 

I never knew lively guys to wear those kinda threads,

black skater shoes and shaded eyes

They were rockin’ D.C.’s, Element, and skinny jeans.

And let me tell you, that’s a style I wish they’d shed.

I don’t dig boys in those things, no matter how pretty their bones,

I think legs look better free and loosely bound

 

They rose up and bound

to the trampoline, not caring for their hip threads,

That mommy and daddy spent all them bones

to satisfy their complaints. I’d shut my eyes.

Wish I could shed

My hold on gravity and these human genes.

 

It’s why my tattoo artist, Gene

Inked feathers along my spine, wings skin-bound

This grounded body we all want to shed.

Unraveled and unknown, a loose thread

The sky is wide, clear and vivid blue, and I

Scan the horizon for avian bones.

 

I think God should throw us a bone.

Switch around a few too heavy genes

And do as crow boys do, catching eyes

Springing ‘round they come unbound

Tugging and pulling, breaking that grounded thread

And coming back in contact with that shed.

 

If the neighbor lady saw those crow boys, she’d beat them off that shed.

Before one of them breaks all their bones

And tear those pricey threads.

You know, they’ve got crows investing their trees proud of such avian genes.

Bobbing their black feathered heads, darting for gleaming silver trinkets, bounding

With their treasure reflected in their eyes.

 

They collect bits of twigs and thread that’s been shed

By crow boys and I. People like us with heavy bones.

Taken from blue jeans and other things that have come unbound.

Reviews

[Patrick Henry]

I love the story/poem. Was it on purpose to use the words "shed and bones" so many times? I thin k this poem of yours and my "From a Caw" need to dance!! : ) xoxo -Mark

[Elaenor Aisling]

Really enjoyed reading this, definitely one of the best pieces I've read on Writer's cafe. It's well written and your use of imagery is wonderful. Great work.

[SarahCortland]

I really like this it's different from almost anything I've read. I like the use of imagery I can imagine these boys almost like people I go to school with. Also you did great with the idea as almost showing you see them as sorta ignorant. That was my take anyway and I love it! Great job