When the air-conditioning failed,
the open windows caught the gale
and all his icons rattled on their cords.
They banged against the wall and his familiar images shook.

Charles I’s Archbishop Laud
saw an omen when the cord
snapped and his portrait
fell to the floor.

He also found a Sparrow
which, trapped in his library,
died amongst his books.
He found it dead upon the boards.

He knew it did not bode well.