THE SECRETS OF ISHBAR

A Wounded Bird

1 

You said I was a bird with a broken
wing. I am afraid that when you have
nursed me to health I might fly away. 

2

The sadness in your eyes haunts me.
When you have given me life and
I take my lonely flight (Can I help
that?) will it not break your heart?
Why do you breathe life into me, when it
will be the death of both of us? 

3

Do not grieve at my stony face. My
heart warms to your every smile, every
touch. I almost feel the strength to
fly. Shall I get well and lose you? 

4

That I love you is clear
since I ask you for nothing.
I would love you even if you went away
leaving my wing bleeding. 

5

I feel guilty that my condition
made you interrupt your play.
No, you have hung around me for many
days now, stroking my feathers, dressing
my wounds. Can I ever repay you? 

6

You have whispered in my ears
that I look so weak and wan that
you must help me. And what patience!
I haven't spoken, you still console
me with your beautiful words. 

7

Don't you realize that you are
wasting your youth on a
bird with shrivelled limbs
when your garden is full of handsome
admirers? They know many clever
games to amuse you. 

8

I admit I have called you sometimes
with my cries. 

9

In your absence your image has
lain with me. The shadow of
your soft hand has warmed my
feathers in the cold nights. 

10

Shall I get well and live with
you in a gilded cage woven
by your deft fingers
or shall I paint your form
on these rocks before I fly off?