initially drafted 2/22/2022, posted 2/1/2025
when I watch birds
I imagine I remember
how to barrel roll
through air
like this raven
amusing himself
with his own
cawing acrobatics
or recall how
to glide
on an updraft
wings spread wide
lazy as one of the wise
old buzzards
or one of their companion
caracaras
or think I sense like an echo
how to strike swiftly
and silently
as my local falcon
announced only
by the flicker
of her shadow
you also remind me
when we kiss
that even bones
can become light
enough to lift
themselves toward
that not merely
metaphorical blazing
center by turns
sun and matter
even Plato allowed
for the prickle-sweat
of pinions
acknowledged
this carnal cave
is haunted
by what together
we rise for
equally animal
and angel