The Wisdom of the Grackles

THE WISDOM OF THE GRACKLES

I wish the grackles of Texas

Were like the ravens of Odin,

Laden with memory and thought

To give me wise counsel every day.

They seem drawn to me recently,

As if trying to tell me something,

As irrational as that may sound.

And so I follow after them

To pay attention, watch and listen,

Inwardly wishing that this is why they’re here

As irrational as that may sound.

Atheists do rub shoulders in foxholes,

But their heads may rest little lighter

Except for those most benighted

Than their believing kin.

They, too, seek comfort, security, insight

And though they will not bow the knee

To seeming nonexistent entities

The more broad-minded amongst them,

With insight into human mental depths

Acknowledge the psychology, the call,

And do not mock, nor disdain.

I wish the grackles of Texas

Were like the ravens of Odin.

I wish my mind, my ears,

Could understand like those of Odin.