Oh My Dove - by Vicente Reyes

Oh My Dove

Oh pink-toed Dove with the ailing wing do I hear you sing

A melody that quavers on the rustling morning breeze,

That vibrates in the dew but lingers in your eyes?

A trilled memory of one who by you flew and now is gone?

You and I are almost free -- but for the constant sky and tree.

Your fluffy feathers are ruffled by the winds but they do

Serve to lift when we leap and reach for the cloudy hills.

So rest for a spell here on this branch where you meet me.

It was a long night prior and I too once had a nightingale.

She sang and to her tune my flittering heart made harmony.

Now the night is gone and so is she but in the dawn oh hear,

In cries of a feathered choir a new day’s hope, a joy

Though my nightingale’s song has faded too, I hear

The chirping of the sparrows and they soothe my soul.

It is a new song for one who has been long in mourning.

I warble my awkward appeal to let me help you heal,

Though you be a Dove, let me be one of your little sparrows.

I find the love of the joy of flight and the morning light

Undimmed by those who understand neither thee nor me.

Maybe in you I find something I seek, for I too, let me say,

Seek understanding and trust like even the sparrows

In the park seek crumbs of bread from dawn till dusk.

The bread of friendship is something we can share.

There is no nest for despair and no arrow in the air,

So stay a while and if I may be a bit of the day with you,

Sweet gentle Dove, then you need not fall though the owl call.

Yes I will for now fly into the crispy timeless sky but soon,

I will cloak you with my wings beneath the chilly moon.

August 11, 2000

Internet source: http://www.thepoetsdiary.com/

First North American Serial Rights Available

May be reprinted freely for personal review or academic discussion