Another Bang

Another bang.
This drum beat
loud and resonant
scattered feathers
the flying swiftly
knocked off course
came left
to right.
I left.
My heart slowed
tiptoed
out around the corner
several paces along
the house
to find
her on her back
wings relaxed
mouth open
picked her up
into the cup
of my hand
for warmth
tucked her into
my coat
next to
my heart
for warmth
pulled her out
so we could see
each other
stroked her head and
body
stunned
back into the darkness
next to my heart
she spoke a few notes
and silence.
Her body hot
in my hand
a warmth returned
a final burst
of light
of heat
of life
gone.

image on cover: Denis Allard