SWALLOW
By Keith Hoerner

engrossed with millions of americans
in others’ misfortunes
       movement distracts me
       from the nearly two-hundred pound nine year old on tv
 
       you carry a juicy earthworm in your bone-colored beak
       to feed three tiny, ravenous chicks
       nestedinthefosterholly
       outside my window
 
the image of padlocks on pantries
screaming boy man, sobbing mother
       then you again – wings spread victorious
       return with another twisting morsel
 
millions of pixels shed light on
conflicted emotions
pastel-plastic cafeteria trays
moderated portions face down on the floor
 
       ah, the image of you
       the even-measured pace
       with which you feed
       so naturally
 
       beaks wide open
       tufts of plumage
       sunlit-exposed organs
       through tissue-paper skin
 
commercial-sponsored judgment is rendered
guilt through gluttony
human failing
self-will run riot
 
tormented guests stand, starve
for tangible solutions
 
credits
roll                                                                                                             
 
       as you fly away                            
       with the one                true                         answer