Irruption

Irruption
by Shelly Bryant

These are not peregrine birds. Why then have they arrived, so suddenly and in such large numbers? From whence have they come, and where will they go? What is augured by their flight?

These are not carrion birds. Why then do they carry flesh in their beaks? From whence has it come, and where do they carry it? And what is augured by this flight?

These are not xerophilous birds. Why then have they come to our barren land, so suddenly and carrying flesh in their beaks and in such large numbers? From whence have they come, and where will they go?

Why has the augural power waned? What can be meant by its flight?

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Shelly Bryant divides her year between Shanghai and Singapore, working as a teacher, writer, researcher, and translator. She is the author of two volumes of poetry, Cyborg Chimera and Under the Ash, and a travel guide to the city of Suzhou entitled Suzhou Basics. Her third volume of poetry, Voices of the Elders, is slated for release in 2012. Her most recent projects include writing an updated guide to the city of Shanghai for Urbanatomy and translating Sheng Keyi's novel 北妹》 (Northern Girls) for Penguin Books.

Shelly's poetry has appeared in journals, magazines, and websites around the world, as well as in several art exhibitions, including dark 'til dawn, Things Disappear, and Studio White • Exhibition 2011. You can visit her website at shellybryant.com.