Take It or Leave It

It’s the nature of ultimatums.

If this, then that

or if not this, then another thing

determined by the issuer,

nothing else after.

Pondering this, I notice

now there is a crow

on the rosebush outside my kitchen window

that ordinarily hosts a circus of sparrows.

The sparrows have been gone all year.

I wonder

if the crow issued an ultimatum.

My way or the highway, stupid sparrows.

Maybe I am meant to take this occupation

as a sign. The crow prophesizes--

this will not end well.

NaPoWriMo Day 20! 

For Fireblossom’s prompt in the Imaginary Garden: CORVID AND SIT A WHILE