Emphasis
BY PATRICK J. KAMPMEYER I JUNE 29, 2009

We heard the telltale thud as we sat on the couch.
As I peeked through the picture window blinds
I saw it —
Its talon a curled piece of black licorice, its body
Tipped to one side, resting on an invisible kickstand.
Its head turned, one yellow eye rapidly blinking at me.
I picked up the piece of dowel rod we use as a doorstop,
And cracked open the door.
Our eyes met. Was I really going to have to do this?
I tapped on the ground next to it, hoping to scare it back
To its senses. It simply continued to blink at me.
I closed the door, sat down, and conferred.
Decision made, I closed the blinds and opened the door,
 club in hand.
Spooked to life by the door, it fluttered away,
Alighting in the upper reaches of our pear tree.
"It flew away"
"Good"
She didn't want to see me kill it
And I didn't want her to.

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