STILL-LIFE

The sparrows explode from the boughs,
terrified by the bells. But solemly,
the cuckoo, pendulum of death,

and the whooping-cat, nightwatchman,
observe the corpse-candle pass
blazing before their eyes.

- Listen to the silence of the owl.
- Wood cracks, creaks: It's the Wheelbarrow
of Death, trundling along the path.

Now flies the happy crow
around the house of the dying man
who will enter his kingdom tomorrow.

(Adapted from Tristan Corbiere)