The Wailing Bird

Behold the wretched bird of joy and youth Whose song was stolen by the winter night! It wails with an undying thirst for truth And barren valleys drape its lonely flight. Soar high to fair felicity, dear friend! Who else on earth can turn man’s heart to joy, And his gray passions with bright colors blend? Return to sing of how life’s bitter ploy Has chained him down, and cleverly undone His brightest dreams, the fabric etched in gold Which you—and you alone—have nimbly spun! Return to sing of how his dreams were sold! Upon the ruined temple’s steps I sit And think of your light trills, now gone for long. Unflaggingly I wait, my watcher’s candle lit, To hear your graceful voice and blissful song. Find my poems and published poetry volumes at www.eton-langford.com