Bird of Destiny

Bird of Destiny

A Poem by Christopher Laverty

Cold is the air - still are the trees -

the clouds are streaked with red;

hushed are the birds as dusk descends

and here you lay your head.


A whirling bird above is shrieking -

the bird of destiny;

of midnight born, with plume as black -

unearthly thing to see.


A pawn you were in unseen quarrels

of vying deities;

this bird tells of what has been spoken -

the voice of their decrees.


Your shield is shattered - in your side

a spear has slaked its thirst;

though life is slipping, rest is here

now fate has done its worst.


These rivers were your cradle sought -

this chosen land your bride;

a rightful heir had come but you

were blinded by your pride.


Like bulls whose horns are locked in battle

you fought with armour crashing;

the plains resounded with the echo

of armies blindly clashing.


These fields were red, were filled with cries -

the rivers ran with blood;

this bird descended, soon you fell,

with dull and sickening thud.


O bird of destiny - oft seen

when skies are rumbling;

on tombstones perched, in weather foul,

and rooftops crumbling.


It knows no song of harmony

to charm the glades and dells;

its shrieking is the melody

that destiny foretells.


The final sleep is creeping near,

the scene is growing dim;

its noise a dull and distant blur -

your only passing hymn.


You see a dank enfolding fog -

hear chains that dimly clink;

a murky river to be crossed,

forgetfulness to drink.


Cold are your hands, still are your eyes,

vanished is your voice;

your bride is lost - the fitful gods

have made their final choice.

© 2025 Christopher Laverty


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Beautifully written poem. Enjoyed reading

Posted 1 Month Ago



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Added on October 12, 2024
Last Updated on January 17, 2025
Tags: nature, bird, fate, destiny, battle, omen, epic

Author

Christopher Laverty
Christopher Laverty

Bristol, England, United Kingdom



About
I am from Cornwall and now live in Bristol. I have worked as a teacher and my hobbies include reading, music, films, walking and travelling. I have been published in Reach Poetry Magazine, Runcible.. more..

Writing