my bird

my bird 

you are out of bed 

and out the door 

fire in your belly 

laughter spills out 

tears and raindrops 

quick as a fox, 

hungry as a bear

your appetite is endless

but you’re satisfied 

you will devour, 

all color and sound 

facts and flavors 

you grow like a wildflower

and leave a trail

of sparks and spitfire

tulips and honeysuckle

recycling rain

into tears and 

water for the plants 

there are molehills and mountains

dumpsters and fountains

and you face each one

with tenacity and grace

it’s okay to stop,

slow mornings & deep thoughts

it’s okay to break down,

it’s okay to break pots

feel the anger and the pain 

you won’t be stuck

you can’t be trapped

by rule or reaction

by expectation

by shifting sand 

or the shadow of yourself 

i see something

that i hope you can see

but i know it’s hard to be

it’s hard to hug yourself

like you hug me

but i love to see the moments

you look at your photo 

you glance in the mirror 

and smile like

you smile at the flowers

the sunset and the trees

my bird, love you

like you love me