After a while you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul,

And you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning and company doesn’t mean security,

And you begin to learn that kisses aren’t contracts and presents aren’t promises…

because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans.

–Anonymous

(c) March 27, 2016 by Swami X

I watch my prized bird

Organize her cage

In silence

Remembering when

She would feed my heart

with music

When sadness

Hadn’t stolen her song

 

But now her

Technicolor feathers

Tarred by my words

Finds my gaze

oppressive

She sings no more

 

A few times she has escaped

Flew the coup

While she enjoyed the distance

She eventually missed home

And returned to me

Now she sneaks glances

Out the window

Longing for freedom

 

After three escapes

And three returns

She has started to feel

She can no longer fly

That my hurt

Has become a

Ball and chain

Around her leg

that keeps her grounded

yet unsteady

 

Because I love her

More than calling her mine

I open the cage door

And let her go

 

“I release you,” I say

 

Because I see my hold on her

Is flesh bars

And she was never my possession

To imprison

to keep earthbound

a winged beauty

is to kill her spirit

She flies to me

And nestles my neck

I can feel the intensity

Of the embrace

But can’t enjoy it

Knowing that it will soon end

for good

And in the vacuum

Of her warmth

Will be left a coldness

That no fond memories

Will warm

so I lift my tilted neck

and say goodbye

I watch her fly away

As I look longingly towards the sky

Hoping she will return

But knowing this time

Is the final escape