Tracks — An Image

An augmented photograph of animal tracks in the snow.
“Tracks” — C.Birde, 2/21

Though

I tried I

could not find

her

for the depth of

snow that had

fallen…

— C.Birde, 2/21

Wounds — A Poem

A close up augmented photo of a Bleeding Heart's single bloom.
“Bleeding Heart” — C.Birde, 2/21

Lodged

between the ribs

So near the heart’s

sweet beating

Ember

of doubt and fear

Smoldering

Compressed &

prone to flare

at least provocation

Legacy of grief

Invisible

Unseen

Forged so long ago

Catching at all

kindling

Acknowledge it

Smother it

Cover it or

cut it out

It won’t be doused

Ever raw

Lodged & always

burning.

— C.Birde, 2/21

Dreams in Snow — An Image

A photo taken at night -- backlit; a tree casts its shadow forward over a snow-covered hedge upon a smooth surface of snow.
“Snow Shadow” — C.Birde, 2/21

“I shall bury myself

beneath blankets

white & deep…”

Her voice —

adrift,

muffled,

indistinct.

“& begin

to dream spring

into being…”

— C.Birde, 2/21

Looking Backward — A Dream

A cluster of brilliant orange orchids, hanging from overhead.
“Orchid” — C.Birde, 2/21

Solitary passenger

in the way, way back

of this long green

station wagon

Tailgate gaping

Sweet tabby cat

(alternating gray

& tea-with-cream)

for company

Far up front –

with select passengers –

the vehicle’s pilot

guides it backwards

along a curving road

as, to the left,

the great, gray sea

falls down, away,

& to the right

& overhead twists

a jungle-y clamor

of green

See?

Amongst those vines

& great broad leaves,

the Good Lord Bird!

And more –

Downy,

Red-Headed,

-Bellied…

Uncharacteristically

slipping sturdy beaks

into vibrant blooms

& sipping

Elating

Breathtaking

Calling out their names

& pointing

But to whom?

For they,

so far up front,

so far away,

can’t see.

— C.Birde, 2/21

Light & Shadow — Am Image

The elongated blue shadow of an ornamental tree cast on a thin layer of untouched snow.
“Light & Shadow” — C.Birde, 1/21

“Light returns!”

Her voice glittered

on the wind’s bladed edge.

“Feed your heartfire

on this everlasting

hope.”

— C.Birde, 1/21

The Dream — A Poem

An abstract Rorshach-style photograph of whites and blues and fuchsias.
“The Dream” — C.Birde, 1/21

The dream was all —

beautiful

duet of soul and

psyche

sung in prismatic

tone and symbol

crooned and

understood until

I woke

it broke

The dream was all.

— C.Birde, 1/21

Just Desserts — A Dream

A close-up of a woman's lavender-violet hair.
“Violet” — C.Birde, 1/21

The gray remains

Ubiquitous

Unchallenged

Bleak winter sky,

drained of color,

extends its influence

Except…

Except for her —

Take my hand

See there, ahead?

Her once-dark-hair

now silvered violet?

Watch her cross

the intersection, see?

Pause here with me

The light,

so slow to change…!

Impatient, we cross

& follow where she leads

up streets unpeopled –

empty, too, of traffic –

her lead by swift steps

increasing until,

down an alleyway she slips

& vanishes completely.

But wait….

This shop unknown…

& there,

beyond plate glass see

her hair?

Sleek lavender strands

a-gleam through laden

wire shelves?

Shelves replete with sweets

of every kind

in Prismacolor hues –

cakes & cookies, pies,

macarons;

pink & green, fuchsia, blue.

Each sweet with care

displayed

& oh so beautiful.

Yes, of course

Take your time

Wander

Look before you choose.

But here,

this single slice of cake –

frosted white,

layers bright cerulean blue –

is mine.

— C.Birde, 1/21

Light — An Image

A mirrored image of a great Norway Spruce, with the sunrise glowing behind it.
“Sunrise Spruce” — C.Birde, 1/21

“You are Iight!”

Her voice sang

clear as a Winter’s night.

“Do not hide yourself

in darkness –

lend your spark

to others &,

together,

shine.”

— C.Birde, 1/21