Peacock

I am a peacock preening feathers So you might not notice How slight I really am. Maintain this sheen make it gleam Lest it betray my fear Of prying eyes From fiendish spies. So many layers built upon For year after year after year I don’t remember the colour Of my own natural skin. There are few and far between That see me as I am, When days length gives way To evenings hold and nights sway, All the shimmer and shine Of my prized plumage Means nothing in the dark. The fear of being known As well of being unknown Keeps me painted today, Now you know my secret Seen the crack in my veneer, When twilights comes And the brilliance of the sun Angles just right I’ll see yours too. Wear your flaw proudly It’s what makes you different Not just another zoo attraction Be a rebel a renegade Choose to boil or freeze No matter the centigrade.