A Squab, two Ravens, a muster of Crows, a Brahimny Kite; a Hunt; Hunters and the hunted; a question expressed in the poem. Do you have the answer?
     Two black Ravens, and a muster of Crows,     Attacked a Squab, just over three weeks old!
     On the rooftop just above the scene,     A congregated flock soaked the morning glory. Black Ravens     Crows encircled the roost, atop the window ledge,     To fend off any resistance, that could spoil their game.
     Ravens pounced with their talons sharp,     Pecked with their beaks,     Like a skilled craftsman deft in his craft!     They worked in turns to quell their prey,     They jiggled and wallowed, as it tried to wriggle away!
     The brave little hatchling put up a gallant fight,     Puffed up his body, stamped on his tiny feet,     Slapped his wings and tried to take flight.     It hissed at the Ravens and jabbed with its little beaks.     Created a ruckus and raised an alarm of distress, projecting urgency!
     Parents of the Squab and a Myna rushed in to help.     But, the crows would not give an inch,     Their sights firmly set,      For the promised reward that lay ahead.     So, they staved off the hapless parents and held them at bay.       Left them deep in thoughts, what to do next? 
     Not giving up, the Myna, flew up and down,     It screeched and shouted, challenging the hunter’s crown.     When nothing worked, it flew to the congregation overhead,     To increase their numbers and put up formidable offence.
     All its efforts though went in vain,      In apathy, they carried on with no shame.     In deaf ears it's pleas for help fell,     Not one moved forward to help!
      Squab          Soon Raven’s beaks found its mark,          It tore opened the belly, spewing the entrails all around.          They gorged and feasted on the fruits of their hard work;          While the squab thrashed and writhe red in pain.          In its death row, the hatchling wondered,          Why his kind, stood mook and watched his plunder?
          Suddenly, the atmosphere filled with commotion,          Calls of warning and distress was in motion;          The sound of Caw-Caw chilled the air,           It was a signal that an end was near!          The danger was not below but up in the air,          A shadow circled and passed sending fear!
     The flock that sat and watched the plight below,     Suddenly took flight as one body and soul.     A Brahminy Kite appeared on the horizon,     My target is set, you fear me for no good reason!     A mewing keeyew screeched piercing the air,      To erase any doubts that had lingered there.


     Brahminy Kite, Birds of Prey
          It swooped and dived with majestic grace and poise;           In one clean sweep, it flew away returning to the skies.          In its talons it now held the hatchling,           Who, once lived and now lay still!
          The kite came and perched on the tree in my front lawn          There it sat content, feasting on its snatched prize.          From my window, as I watched on,          I said, ‘We are not that different!’
          The kite looked straight into my eyes,          Held my gaze and sat still as it weighed its reply,          ‘Sister, don’t insult us!          The only similarity we have is that we both are bipeds.


     Life and death are Nature’s games,     To stay in balance and sustain!     And we abide by its rules and mind our ways.     Abilities, we have no doubt, we use them to survive,     Not cause havoc or inflict pain, nor for glory or in disdain!
     So, you see dear sister we are NOT THE SAME!!’      Saying this, the Kite flew again.     Peace ensued, once the danger passed,     The flock in flight resettled and resumed its daily tasks.
     Out of the window I saw again,     The parents of the Squab stared at their now empty nest.     Bobbing their heads they consoled each other,     Then took to the air probably to start afresh.
     As I watched on, a swift wind came and took with it      The few loose feathers that had remained.
     It made me stop and wonder again,      Are we really THAT   DIFFERENT! AND NOT THE SAME??
To find out more about the whole incidence, please read the complete Short story in 'Jagriti Moments - Vol. I' coming soon on e-Book from your local Amazon website.