Face Stolen From a Bird

 Poem by Anne-Marie Derése, translated by Judith Skillman.

I don't know who you're hiding
behind your mask,
your face stolen from a bird,
imprisoned by red ashes. 
I will love you the way one dies. 

I will keep you
for years to come,
you will be so tame,
so unbelievable,
my strange animal,
with your lips opening
on a lost smile. 

I'll drink your breath
and I'll know who you are hiding.

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