Author: Peter Kay

 

And in the darkness I hear the call

Wonder whether the lustrous moon is up

To witness the random slaughter

Inside I read stories to my daughter

Shut out the reality and stench of the kill

Stroke her hair and sing a lullaby

Though my blood is curdled by the cry

And in my head my other self asks why?

 

Later as dawn approaches I am awake

Thoughts tumbling upon each other in my head

I rise and check my daughter’s breathing

Watch her perfect child-like body heaving

Outside a sudden gust of wind rattles the gate

The owl makes a last call before handing on

The mantle of birdsong to the blackbird

Whilst I can only ponder the absurd

 

Ask again why she had to die

And whether next time I stand

on the precipice of the bridge

I will dare to jump

To shut out once and for all

Both the darkness and the call

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