Two ravens alight in Sunset Park,
No shoulder to set upon, they talk:
“Used to be so good,” said one.
“But was it though?” said the other.
“It is so easy to complain
When you’re so selective,
But anyone could listen then
And you know that’s no good.”
“Wasn’t it so much more comfortable?
Life was but a bowl of cherries,
And you were beneficiary too!
Don’t deny the ease of times ere past.”
“Indeed. But there were many who suffered.”
“Their lives are filled with ease like ours then,
While we scrounge and peck and suffer.”
“We do not suffer like they did then.”
“Hugnin! You artful fool! Listen:
You can twist the past into lies here,
But I insist on your hypocrisy. There
You were twisted into oppressing the weak.”
“I’m not the only one who had his soul misused.
Look at yourself, Munin! Corrupted soul
And misplaced intentions abound throughout!
Admit to me, friend, you lie as artfully.”
“Ah! Let us let our differences be
And discuss the happenings of the world.”
“Yes, it is lonely here, but for you.
I long to tell you of my long journeys.”
These two old friends—often parted—
Scratched the grass, pecked the dry dirt.
The reluctance of their silent awkwardness
Will soon subside. As it is with all friends.
“Could you believe what I saw?”
“Likely I’ve seen it before. What?”
“That it persists to this day, shocking!
Men turned away from the shore when in need.”
“Which men on which shore, Hugnin?”
“Does it matter so very much, Munin?”
“I must know which side to take.”
“Take the side of the just or pitiful or…”
“Perhaps, but I’ve been led astray before.
And I learn from my mistakes. The refugees,
From where did they hail? What injury
Might they let loose on their objective shore?”
“None! None, and here’s something:
They are terribly poor in many ways.
Now remember—I know that’s your way—
How poor yours were once upon a day.”
“I recall that my kind overcame many things,
If you are so eager to recall my abilities.
It is in the struggle that character thrives.
Surely you must know this from your gifts.”
“No pity on the menu today, I see!
So tell me, brother, what have you seen
On your long travails on this Earth?
Have you perceived better? Or worse?”
“I have seen a great longing for my own personage.”
“If I could see under your feathers, you’d be blushing!”
“And why not? I didn’t see you complaining.”
“Rightly so. The gyres of time bring us our thrones.”
“Regardless what continent, I am called.
As it has been the wont of men forever.
They would rather have a familiar world
Than one embroiled in your humble chaos.”
“Have you ever thought, ‘Is it right?’”
“Quiet now! It is my turn to speak.
And you shall find my tenure firm,
The people here chant my name, indeed.”
“I heard you speak to the bearded woman
That I was a tyrant, a thrall to lies,
But it is now I who commands hearts
Speak to me as I was made to speak to you.”
Hugnin made a humble bird gesture
He flew temporarily and made to land,
But before doing so, he dipped his wings
In deference to his old friend and rival.