The raven strutted into view- Dissembling crows Peered from the tangled grass lashed Into solemn silence. The raven assumed a coal-black authority Driven by its coal-black soul. Its beak stabbed out automatically Bleakness of past; spectral futures Like echoes. Its eyes were cruel drops Of impenetrable night. The raven possessed everything in The imperious manner of a cut-throat- Killing without fear, without conscience. It ruled like the destroyer.