The Night Stork, by August van Stralen

Untitled, by Marian Spore Bush (USA) 1930s?

The Night Stork
 
On cloud-like wings
white in the moonlight
The night stork comes to steal babies
With white eyes it stalks the black sky 
Peering into the village below
Ears tuned to infant cries
Talons sharp
beak wide
Saliva drops like rain on the rooftops
Of the houses
With blackened windows
And blackened doors
Hollow eyes and silent mouths
Desperately whispering
No one lives here.

August van Stralen

August van Stralen lives in British Columbia with her wife and cat Gordo, who’s favourite activity is to get out of bed early in the morning and howl for attention from the living room. When she’s not writing, August enjoys crochet, woodworking, and long walks with her wife.