The Owl And The Crow

Upon the midnight of the fortnight 
On the first of the falling snow 
Came the Owl upon yon window pane 
Followed too by one black Crow 

Said the Owl to the Crow 
'Do you not know what time it is? 
This is night and not day 
Are you confused, Is it like this? ' 

The Crow he cocked his head 
He raised his beak as though to speak 
But instead he stretched his wings 
Pecked a moth upon his feet 

The Owl he said, 'What is it now 
Has a mouse he got your tongue? 
I will gladly take that from you 
For the night I fear no one 

The night my friend belongs to me 
If for food I never share 
But curious yes, I am indeed 
What is it that brings you here? ' 

The Crow he hopped along the sill 
Through the window he peered in 
Inside was the family of the farm 
All asleep and quite tucked in 

Still another word not said 
He ruffled his feathers and turned his head 
Quite content to still not speak 
Against his feathers he wiped his beak 

'You take great chances', said the Owl 
'I often prey on the likes of you 
If not for something other in mind 
Perhaps next time you will do 

I am the wisdom of all the forest night 
Sharp are my claws and quiet is my flight 
So stupid Crow who offers himself as meal 
The next time we meet, I promise, I will' 

The Owl he flies high in the air 
Swoops down on a hen sleeping near there 
While standing on the hen and now devouring his prey 
He looks back at the Crow who seems to patiently wait 

'When I am done', said the Owl 
'My quite annoying friend 
If you still have not left 
It will too be your end' 

Suddenly from inside 
A shot it rings out 
A musket ball of the farmer 
It found the old Owl 

The Owl wounded 
He lofts to the trees 
But then just as abrupt 
He falls to the leaves 

The Crow too now flies 
But lands on the Owls chest 
For the first time he speaks 
Before the Owl's last breath 

If true in wisdom you should know 
I a Raven and not a Crow 
The mark of death is why I come 
A soul it dies and it is done.