by Dan Campion

“Teeth marks suggest ‘terror bird’ was killed by reptile 13 million years ago”
—BBC

My ‘terror bird’ is still alive.
It comes and goes at will
With other childhood fears that thrive
Despite my fund of years.
But in my mind a reptile, too,
As in the ancient swill,
Clamps on and clears the bird from view
Each time it reappears.