Have I done this before?
Loved one and called her mine
Held her wishing the world would go away

Have I done this before?
I've had life and fear, failure
sight and soon death
You, pretty bird, seem fresh and
new, pure like snow

Are you ready to fly?
Just sitting perched on this old tree
I sit here planted in earth
Reaching for the sun
For it is all I know

You, light on bough
Far from the skittering dark
Singing at the world a challenge

I've seen it in your eyes
I hear it from your lips
I reach for you now
Feeding off the sun
Sleepy in my slowness
Hoping for your nest

Is this where you will stay?
Perching, nesting, preening, singing
Oh, to hear your voice

Or will you fly on?
Skittering to flight, fluffed and rested
Crossing the moon's soft glow

Raven wings with a spot of white
Bright eyes as if frightened
Or thrilled by the world they see
Bright, sharp teeth as they nip in
To find a twig of interest

And as you rest and settle
Your downy breast upon my limb
A quiver escapes me like aspens shaking
As you touch this bark

You get up and flex, I cringe
Waiting for your flight
You're gone today

Will you return?
and pile twigs, feathers, calling it home
Piles growing round and deep
In some protected niche of my arms

Or are you gone to find new offers,
Frontiers, or perhaps a creature like yourself
All able and all energy

I weep as I think these slow thoughts
Dew that slides from leaf to ground
There to feed me once again
Waiting for your return.

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