Midweek Visitors

VisitorsTwo anoraked white owls
Perch at the back of church.
Cold and hunched up in their collars,
Plastic spectacles unblinking.
Praying only possible with claws
Gripped tightly to the hymn book rail.

Heavy starlings strut in the north aisle,
To and from the Coffee Shop.
Meanwhile the duster bird
Hops round the sanctuary, in quiet
Communion with the polish,
And, dressed in shades of brown,
A female mallard, calmly floating
On the waters of the church, is
Quelling ruffles.

Ann R Parker


http://www.stpetersnottingham.org/poem/visitors.htm
© St Peter's Church, Nottingham
Last revised 30th August 1997