Ravens on High House Top

Standing on the terrace one night

I watched the red moon rising

On my fate and that of the garden

In sorrowed silence surmising

“What do you see from there?”

I heard a birdlike voice searching

Detected two ravens in dialogue

Upon the High House roof perching!

The question was meant not for me

To the other spirit one had supplied

“What do you see from there, sage?”

“The red moon,” the other replied

The darkness had me hidden in sheet

Fearless they remained in their talk

Intent to hear them prophesy more

             I stood dead still not willing to walk

             “What do you see further or more?”

             “I see the dimmed diminished moon

              No eyes will see it, a time comes

              Darkness will rule the earth soon

              Devil’s wings will engulf the garden

              The days of wailing tears will fall.

              It has begun sure to see the end

              Evident are the signs on the wall.”

              The fearsome words made me tremble

              My body, my soul and wee mind mine

              Is it written in our fate to pass fires?

              Is it willed in love by the Lord Divine?

             Will greed rule where selfless service

              In peace and compassion did dwell

              Where God’s will was the last Law

              Will it be turned into wares to sell?

                Xavier Bage

               Mon, March 28, 2016