Longing to Fly

She stared at the window, 

longingly knowing that freedom 

was beyond the forcefield. 

Wanting to know what freedom 

felt like against her silvery wings. 

What the sun's calling heat felt like

on her beak.

The window left cracked--

she pulled herself up and 

nudged her feathers out. 

trying to move like the world did: 

effortlessly and beautiful

she fluttered and flapped

...uselessly.

She stared up at the forcefield

of torture and longing dreams.

The home had paralyzed her.

Her efforts were shallow. Her 

bravery was halted. She hoped 

to fly, to mend, to live without 

clipped wings.

Open Waters: Dare to Try Again?

They threw me in the ocean as
I gasped for a breath, I lost myself
In the blue waters. Up--Down--Left
No way led to salvation.
It was float or swim
And I sank.

Down at the bottom
It didn't matter what I found.
Because I knew which way
Was up. So I took the seaweed
And the bubbles I could find.
Constructing a raft.
And I swam.

Up to the succulent air
Reaching it, I threw my head back
Focused my eyes, envisioned my
Success. And drew my first
Breath. I felt rejuvenated
Unconquerably defiant
And I floated.

Around in the wind
Until they stole my raft
Yet again crashing me into the waves.
Laughing as they turn my hands to
Bricks and my heart to stone.
And watched as I sank.