A Sort of Living Doubt
“A sort of living doubt” ~ John Clare, “The Landrail”
Take notice how it walks as if it fears
Its foot will step upon a circle in the hell
Of Dante. Pacing shy (unlike Shakespeare’s
Wide eagle lines) the corncrake tries to quell
Dread dangers. Circumspection is his rule
To save himself and claw from harm. Soft buff,
Though marked with spots and stripes, each one a jewel
Of ebony in feathers, crakes are fluff
And chestnut brown. Consuming anything,
Almost, it seems that these must know that they
Are food for many predators, on wing
And paw. A hungry talon takes them prey.
Perhaps this is the explanation for
Their grayest frightened cheeks. Crakes know the score.
~ Phillip Whidden