Grouse

All weather bird

you huddle under heather in rain and bright sun. 

Short wings for a short flight .

Dog.

Fly to die.

Gunshot.

Collected by your breeder’s dog and naked in the pot tonight.

Wonderfully made,

beautifully made,

individually shining your feathers could not save you,

but the craftmanship of their creation

leaves your plucker

sad in a flood of awe.