The magpie brought the message sent.
It flew into the tree and then
I looked and looked and looked again
But there was only one.
It said nothing, shifted stance
And cocked it's head askew, askance
At my concerned but accepting glance
I could see only one.
I'd seen this omen once before
In brutal clarity’s recall
I wept and wept and wept some more
And cursed that only one.
But now I know the message sent
Is not to torture or torment
Just warn of loss to the extent
It can, as only one.
Tuxedo donned in noble rite
Its visits solemn and polite
Piebald Mercury takes flight
And leaves me only one.
