This is a crow that I saw on top of the bookstore on Saturday. It reminded me of this poem, maybe because of what I was feeling at the time...

God bless the rain, and the storm clouds that bring it.
God bless the music, and the voices that sing it.
God bless the ones who sing everything wrong.
God bless the creatures who do not belong.
God bless the hearts and the souls who are grieving
For those who have left, and for those who are leaving.
God bless each perishing body and mind,
God bless all creatures remaining behind.
God bless the dreamers whose dreams have awoken.
God bless the lovers whose hearts have been broken.
God bless each soul that is tortured and taunted,
God bless all creatures alone and unwanted.

Dav Pilkey

This is from God Bless the Gargoyles by Dav Pilkey. I fell in love with this poem the first time I read it. There have been many times in my life when these lines could have applied to me - sometimes of my own doing, sometimes not. I am in a good place now but still this poem is special to me. Mostly because I still can't hold a tune. :P

I'm posting both the Orton version (#1) and the original version (#2 untouched except for the border). The sun was directly behind the crow and it was in deep shadow. I can't decide which one I like better though I'm leaning toward the orton. Is it too stark?

nice poem and cool title .. really cool shot.. you have a great eye for things:)!! ????? · 2007-07-16: 22:50

Personally I think it's perfect because the lighting is dark enough to give the imagination an idea that the crow is a gargoyle, yet the lighting is 'light enough' to remind the mind that it is still an animal, living, breathing, etc... I really like it though, and the poem you chose to go with it. Nice. ;) taifallos · 2007-07-16: 22:52

Great subject! Great text! Superb! davidcardona · 2007-07-16: 23:03

cool poem and photos--goes well together! ????? · 2007-07-16: 23:32

I was smiling when I saw your picture, then I read the poem, and it got me thinking ! Love it ! I think I'll get it when I'm in New York. Thanks. jendayee · 2007-07-16: 23:41

I love this shot, and especially love the poem. I've never heard it before....must look up that work! I prefer the original version.... Carley · 2007-07-17: 00:06

powerful very creative PaulGraham · 2007-07-17: 06:47

Love the words and the original version. photopoet · 2007-07-17: 07:20

nice silhouette of the crow. ????? · 2007-07-17: 08:10

very awesome shots and words. they are meshed together well MidsummerSilence · 2007-07-17: 09:13

Very nice snap on #1 cool cool cool!!!! I think a few times in our lives we feel like that poem,but it is our friends and willingness to do and feel better that get us out of the muck!! :) smiles to you!! SheriJ · 2007-07-17: 11:34

Nice poem, and very nice shots!!! nadoune · 2007-07-17: 16:05

:)) wonderful poem and wonderful catch!! love the picture ????? · 2007-07-17: 17:14

psycho movie. love it. the words and your sensibility storytaylor · 2007-07-17: 17:27

I prefer 1 :) cool shot! TIM927 · 2007-07-17: 19:08

oh God.. i got quite a similar photo on my blog milan · 2007-07-18: 08:39

amazing post. love the picture and the comments are wonderful (must buy that book!) magpy · 2007-07-20: 19:05

the orton version looks like it belongs on a book jacket. i always like your use of the orton effect. i would not have thought, though, to use it on anything but color. it works wonderfully. chipotle · 2007-07-25: 10:34

Tagged: crow bw orton gargoyle