The Evening Bird

I rose from my couch unhappy, as one of the dead, Repose reluctant to join me, My window shades enticed, to display a truth So unnatural to refuse, I did abrade myself to look There! A black and white film alighting on my pear tree Sweetheart - mockingbird Glowing eyes and cheeky beak Abandoning the gentle blossoms to the grass in flight Quintessence of Life! Picking and clawing, until satisfaction is complete Brooding long, as I Finding solace, as in clouds The sun sending long shadows in the mail Soon gathered my beloved to the fence's heel As an actor moving behind an arbor curtain So my dearest, no mock beheld, No laughing beak, then turned to me - dictates Forget not to challenge the world - For joy and sustenance hide their rewards Don't sleep just because the day seems to end All are anxiously a-waiting to leap, fearful to fly Though the sky entreats -"Go wherever!" Don't be as they! Who likely - may never discover A bright, constant day.