“The Magpie: A Key” by Kerrin McCadden (poetry ’14)

The Magpie: A Key

One magpie always means watch out.
One magpie in the yard means stay in the house.
Two magpies in the lane mean don’t go farther than
the roadside. 
A magpie walking with its beak open, but quiet, 
means go out, but come home quickly.
A magpie calling means something will happen en route.
A magpie on the clothesline means watch your back.

[… continue reading “The Magpie: A Key” at New England Review.]