Work Text:
I stood at the wharf of a lake,
Throwing stones.
The stones were only small,
I think.
As if the Earth answered my question, a little bird flew down to the lake.
I didn’t realise it was there.
I threw my stone.
I hit it
and it falls.
I panicked, “Did I kill it?”
Hesitated, my heart begged to go to it, my brain told me no.
I ignored my thoughts, diving into the lake.
The water guided me to the sinking bird,
and I scoop it up
and take it out the lake with me.
I stared at the bird like the Sun stares at the Earth.
I closed my eyes and listened to its heartbeat.
It was fast.
It was still beating.
“Should I take it in?”, I asked myself.
But… “Will it peck me?”
“Will it peck me as I bring it into my home?”
I didn't know.
“I don’t know… unless I try.”
-----
I sit up from my bed.
I’m tired. Really tired.
“Maybe I should go for a walk.”
As I turn the corner, a familiar tune rings in my ears.
As if it calls to me.
A flashing green blur zooms past me,
I duck my head, as if it has happened before.
The familiar tune rings again in my left ear.
“It’s you.”
The bird I scooped out from the still waters.
I remember the stones, the water, that little bird…
It’s become bigger than when I first released it. An adult.
I hold my hand out for it,
and it flies on.
Its feet sink slightly into my skin,
that familiar feeling.
It sings to the Sun, and I gaze at the Moon.
Opposites, but familiar acquaintances.
No… friends. Maybe more than that.
Best friends.