o tainted dove
mere twin to winged vermin
destined to cast your doleful eye
upon all that is refused
and fallen.
no crutch for club foot,
nor shower for ruffled plume,
you languish, wretched among beasts.
'lo as you swoop
wings held back, tiny head held high
a minute phoenix rises from sad dirt
glowing all shades of turquoise
and king of the air
for an instant –
for an instant
too short
o tainted dove,
too short by far!
as club foot hits breadcrumb soil
you languish, wretched among beasts.