Autumn 2007 Poetry Competition First Prize
The Owners by Garry Kilworth
The robin that owns the front garden allows me to dig there, though not without constant supervision. And while I may keep the vegetables, any meat is his. The thrush that rules the roof reminds me with her twilight songs that my place is below hers, though I am allowed to borrow the use of her perch for my television signal. The mouse behind the wainscot tolerates my company, so long as I remain on my side of the wall. And the martins in the eaves, the pigeons in the loft, the bats in the attic, are all generously prepared to permit my presence. I am not ungrateful for this conditional kindness, and creep about, softly, so as not to give cause for complaint. Only the cat asserts her authority, insistent that I lock myself indoors when she goes out for the night.
©2007 Garry Kilworth Garry would love to hear what you think of his poem - email him now and you can see Garry's shortlisted poem HERE
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