Clipped Wings

The garden was an oasis

She sat in silence like a statue

breathing in the essence

like perfume to the senses

the bird bath full of life

water flying all around

birds wings flapping 

It was exquisite in its sounds

She sat in the grass

green, lush and cool

droplets from the bird bath

like aloe soothed her soul

but one bird on the grass

hopping up and down

wings spread open

could not fly around

She watched confused

while pity gripped her heart

she arose and gently picked up the bird

and there she saw the absurd

clipped wings

the bird could not fly

as good as dead

this bird was sentenced to die

his voice rang through the garden

like a thunder storm it shook her reverie

gripping the bird protectively
she turned and instantly perceived

clipped wings

what a painful place to be

wishing to fly

but only touching the cement

never to be free