swallow

engrossed with millions of americans
in others’ misfortunes
        movement distracts me
        from the nearly two-hundred pound nine year old on tv

         you carry a juicy earthworm in your bone-colored beak
        to feed three tiny, ravenous chicks
        nestedinthefosterholly
        outside my window

the image of padlocks on pantries
screaming boy man, sobbing mother
         then you again – wings spread victorious
         return with another twisting morsel

millions of pixels shed light on
conflicted emotions
pastel-plastic cafeteria trays
moderated portions face down on the floor

        ah, the image of you
        the even-measured pace
        with which you feed
        so naturally

        beaks wide open
        tufts of plumage
        sunlit-exposed organs
         through tissue-paper skin

commercial-sponsored judgment is rendered
guilt through gluttony
human failing
self-will run riot

tormented guests stand, starve
for tangible solutions

credits
roll
        as you fly away
        with the one          true          answer