I think this is what I mean

[rozk]

SUPERSTITION

One magpie brings you sorrow; turn away
the omen with a greeting. 'You can say
hello to him and those you cannot see,
friends and relations.' That's what she taught me

how to avoid the sorrow and the joy
outwit the birds and never be the toy
of all the fates they bring. Yet sorrows came
however long delayed, hurt her the same

for waiting. If she trod a pavement crack
She blamed herself for pain. Close, at her back
she felt some Fury's breath and its stern gaze.
We want escape - and that desire betrays -

from what cannot be helped. These rules console
a bit, though mad, where we have no control.

Comments

[cmcmck.livejournal.com]

Our priest he says we're wicked
For to worship the Devil's bird
But we prefer the old ways
And disregard his word.
And we know he rests uneasy
As he slumbers there at night
So we always leave out a little bit of meat
For the bird that's black and white.

One for sorrow, two for joy
Three for a girl and four for a boy
Five for silver, six for gold
Seven for a secret, never told.

Devil, Devil, I defy thee!
Devil Devil, I defy thee!


And I have to admit that I still say 'good morning Mr Pie' to magpies as my grandma always did :o)