Dead Bird

By Charlotte Chilton

You hold me- 

You carry me- 

Like a dying bird-  

I am still in your palms,  

I am dreaming I can fly. 

You hold me- 

Firm to stop the shaking,  

Gentle so as not to crush me. 

You hold me- 

Like I am the only girl in the world- 

A girl you can’t afford to lose. 

You hold me. 

Your grip is a gentle plead, 

Your hands are a distant cry,  

Your body scrambles to speak-  

But your lips are too busy kissing mine. 

 

I ache to hear you- 

But dead birds hear nothing. 

I ache to feel you- 

But dead birds feel nothing. 

Why do I ache for you- 

If a dead bird cannot ache?