Flighty Bird

There are times I feel I’m like a small flighty bird Endlessly and powerfully drawn by the wind To the sky The clouds The sun and moon and sea and world The colors I wear and the words I sing often attract the interest of humans Approaching clumsily hands outstretched They interest me My head cocks from side to side Studying I sing and draw them, tease them, intrigue them It’s a game I play But the instant they take one step too many, compromising my space, threatening my freedom I’m gone Back to the peaceful independence of the lonely sky Tied to nothing and no one But one came singing a song of his own A song that harmonized perfectly with mine He approached slowly, sweetly, thoughtfully And I listened and watched Felt Took the slightest of hops toward him Impulsively Timidly Longingly Captivated Nearly within arms reach Nearly surrendering Too close, I fled For if I were to become a caged bird I fear I would cease to sing