ChrisApap
Sherman Alexie’s “Crow Testament” (2)
1
Cain lifts Crow, that heavy black bird
and strikes down Abel.
Damn, says Crow, I guess
this is just the beginning.
2
The white man, disguised
as a falcon, swoops in
and yet again steals a salmon
from Crow's talons.
Damn, says Crow, if I could swim
I would have fled this country years ago.
3
The Crow God as depicted
in all of the reliable Crow bibles
looks exactly like a Crow.
Damn, says Crow, this makes it
so much easier to worship myself.
4
Among the ashes of Jericho,
Crow sacrifices his firstborn son.
Damn, says Crow, a million nests
are soaked with blood.
5
When Crows fight Crows
the sky fills with beaks and talons.
Damn, says Crow, it's raining feathers.
6
Crow flies around the reservation
and collects empty beer bottles
but they are so heavy
he can only carry one at a time.
So, one by one, he returns them
but gets only five cents a bottle.
Damn, says Crow, redemption
is not easy.
7
Crow rides a pale horse
into a crowded powwow
but none of the Indians panic.
Damn, says Crow, I guess
they already live near the end of the world.