Something Hungry
Something Hungry
used to wait near the edge of our driveway
next to the right-of-way fence. It gobbled
up anything our cat didn’t eat.
There are scratches in the screen
above the limestone step where previous
owners placed a crystal bowl.
We removed that altar to scrape
our plates next to the highway
hill, hoping only to spare
the porch door more gashes.
The feeding continued.
Never a scrap left.
At the edge of the woods, I dragged
a 25-pound grass carp clocked
by a zealous heron peck.
The next day we found five scales—
wampum scattered purple and pearly.
Not even a bone remained.
All the deer who come here
to die, riddled with ammo
or mauled by the traffic,
never last a week as carcass.
Something chews and pulls
all flesh from the ribs, gnaws
at remaining jaw. Why, this spring,
has wild hunger paused? Fancy Feast
curls dry in the grass,
slicks to paste after rain. Only maggots
thrive inside cast off bits, wriggle
new dance from the ruins.
14 thoughts on "Something Hungry"
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Such an ominous beginning (sets a powerful mood).
The unseen as terrifying, but somehow, in the conclusion, as mysteriously beautiful, too. That last sentence dances on the tongue and inner eye!
It is a testament to the versatility of poetry that I did not immediately think the beginning was ominous until I read Joseph’s comment. Instead, I had thought of the creature as something in need and was appreciating not only the beauty of kindness, but also its complication, because wouldn’t the injured deer be just as much in need?
I’m going to be thinking about this poem all day. Very well done.
Yes, I agree with the ominous tone. I did not want that thing scratching at my door! Enjoyed how the poem evolved and resolved. “wampum scattered purple and pearly.” – Love that line. Fantastic start, Roberta!
Yes, yes, yes! The wampum line is my favorite, too. You sound truly sorry that the critter is missing. I really like that turn.
Thanks for your thoughtful comments. I do love my critters–seen and unseen.
The title immediately drew me in! I couldn’t wait to find what else was lurking here.
This poem is very well organized throughout and quite effective. You set a high bar!
Really enjoyed this poem, Roberta.
Man, this is so good–I’m a “feeder” of animals, too, so I relate. Tightly-constructed, & the form works so well!
Wonderful.
Echo all that as been said, Roberta! Especially love: new dance from the ruins.
Like the others, I was captured by “wampum scattered purple and pearly.” But also by the way you create a true sense of menace, even horror, in a simple domestic setting. Great, Roberta!!
So detailed. Fancy feast should curl up in the dry grass! I like this because we share our land with nature no matter where we live. It seems mysterious to us but is it?
Mysterious! What a great story plus those images that make me imagine a bear? a raccoon? a vulture? I think I would scrape my plates as far away as possible.