The Winged Omnivores

Humped, jet-black brooding
on thick dark branches,
silently awaiting the moment
monitoring the arras from
its perch on high, wind
blasting through the
dry autumn-bare branches.

The crow, head half cocked,
alert to the entry of those
clothed bipeds anchoring
tethered pets to the forest
trails known by his winged
clan to leave behind them
valued, competitive treats.

A contest slowly ensues
for as the dark sentry signals
for others of its kind to gather,
settling here and there along
the route, mammalian
counterparts also emerge
to scope out possibilities.

And the game is fully engaged
once the winged omnivores and
the furred herbivores vie for the
casual leavings of the quotidian
travellers, brief guests of the forest
occupants, doling out their fee.