look at the bird

just where we left it

we loved it and lost it

just where we left it

and there it remained

withstanding the wind

crying our names

and trilling hymns

but who listens

for birds anymore?

look at its wings

ripped and loose

look at its body

withered and recluse

we left it there

and there it lies

and here we stand

with the gall to say

that we loved it

when all this time

it was dead