The thing with feathers

Perching in the soul

It peeks Outside

Outside glares back

Somehow

The meaning of “hate”

A mystery, the meaning of “fear”

Solved long ago.

The thing with feathers

Singing the tune without the words

Silver-tipped sails

Floating across the glittery sea

Warm winds and ruffled feathers

Floating past the horizon

Trying to catch a glimpse of—something—

Hope

The thing with feathers

Asking not a crumb

Unabashed by the stormy world

Keeping me safe and warm.