open greedy mawed
thing
you follow,  berating me,

demanding more, maw, more.

can you not cease and desist?
can you not see i am trying?
can you not please be still?

demanding maw, more, maw.

your endless whining
is,
shredding my soul.
your bottomless wanting
is,
wrecking my life.
your  pitiless harrasment
is,
killing me with slow, determined intent.

demanding more, maw, more.

when will i be rid of you?
when will you  begone?
when will you fly from this
haggard nest?

demanding maw, more, maw.

i wonder,
are these the thoughts of a
magpie mother,
as she feeds a rapacious chick.