Finally Setting Questions Aside
by Alan L. Birkelbach


To be distrustful of questions
is the best way to translate
three ravens clustered in front

of a house I was considering buying.
Even just a few months ago I would have
steeped the moment with symbolism.

The sheen of wing. Their beaded eyes that know roofs.
And trees. But no demarcation lines.
Before I would have said they were sent.

Instead I merely thought: I will stare at you
and shake off as many notions as I can.
Standing here is as close to being a raven

I will ever know. As I stepped toward to the house
you stepped aside, ushering me up the drive,
not needing me to speak.

It was much easier to open the door
now that I was full
of companion certitude.






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