My grandpa's farm felt safe and warm,

we worked at it day and night.

I can't forget the eve we met,

as it gave me such a fright...

 

Late skies began their tell tale wane,

sun's glow melted into night,

I'd heard it then, a sad refrain,

beyond the darkness, out of sight.

 

Moon's silhouette, I shan't forget,

shadows on the grassy floor,

lustrous beams bright pirouette,

sent me seeking something more.

 

A-i-i-i-e-e-e!— the ghastly screaming broke

from behind  barn's weathered wall—

Icy tendrils crawled up my spine,

with each eerie screaming squall.

 

My frozen form had naught to do

with any freezing frigid air,

just what it was, I had no clue—

as it cast its frightful stare...

 

I sensed his glare beyond the dark,

yet determined, I kept pace—

To douse my fears icy spark,

I approached yon pallid face...

 

A-i-i-i-e-e-e!— sentient silence split;

the shrieking grew much stronger.

'Twas then I caught a sight of it,

a mystery, no longer.

 

Upon a rusted weather vane,

sitting high atop the roof,

lone barn owl perched, its neck, then craned,

whilst gazing, so aloof...

 

He hung his head as if in shame,

as he wailed his mournful cry—

'twas just a way of laying claim

to his rusty perch on high.

 

He bade me go with just a wink,

I sorrowfully complied.

Bathed by the moon, footfalls in sync

whilst he simply sat and cried.

 

Now every time I hear his call

I run to him with gladness,

to meet him there upon the wall,

and marvel at his sadness.



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