Hippocratic Oath
Did you see the white bird fly,
pale against the azure sky,
did you watch the dead leaves fall,
windblown, strewn against the wall?
Did you hear the north wind's sigh,
coursing through the winter rye,
were you taken by surprise,
knowing now her words were lies?
Did you feel the heavens shift
as those words passed through her lips,
does she grieve the babes unborn,
as she turned from you in scorn?
Hypocrite, heard no alarm,
despite her oath to do no harm,
witness now the blackbirds fly,
ink against the blood-red sky.
All the trees are stripped and bare,
blackened claws that scrape the air,
vultures rip and tear the seams,
gorging, shredding all your dreams.
Feel the wind caress your face,
remembering her last embrace.
(For Ryan)
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