The Hunger and the Hunt, by Matthew Murrey

Hunting Birds at Night, by Jean Francois Millet (France). 1874.

The Hunger and the Hunt

Sometimes a blazing torch 
shows us in another light:
the ones who swing 
the clubs and the ones 
who pick up the pieces.

There are nights 
of fire and blood, 
and there are nights
of stories and brag 
around the flames.
There is hunger, 
and there is greed.
Night and day.

It is shocking to see 
wolves take down a deer,
ripped at the haunches 
and still alive.  And who
doesn’t pity the mouse
cornered and facing  
the mouth of the snake?

And there are days
when everyone gathers
at the table, and the aroma 
of seasoned, cooked birds 
fills the room with all 
the satisfaction to come.

Matthew Murrey

This poem was written as part of the ekphrastic surprise challenge on birds.

Matthew Murrey: "My poems have appeared in various journals such as Tar River Poetry, Poetry East, and Rattle.  I received an NEA Fellowship in Poetry a number of years ago, and my first book manuscript is seeking a publisher.  I am a high school librarian in Urbana, Illinois where I live with my partner.  We have two sons who live in the Pacific Northwest. My website is https://matthewmurrey.weebly. com/"