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Dance Of The Starling
by
Charilette Rai Sweeney
I had ventured out into the snow of a new morning's winter chill
The ice crackled beneath my feet and the air was quiet and still
A wicked storm had passed o'er during the night, disappearing with the dawn
The ground had become a giant canvas of white out across my lawn
Tiny little footprints lay before me etched upon the virgin snow
I thought I would follow along behind to see where they might go
The footprints seemed to wander aimlessly, first this way, then that
Reminiscent of a ballroom dance instructor's footprint-patterned mat
At trail's end I found a tiny starling as she lay disheveled in a heap
At first I thought she had not noticed for she seemed to be asleep
There she lay with wings outstretched covered in icy crystal dew
She did not move at all as I approached and it was then I knew
Melancholy stabbed me through my soul, my heart in two did rend
For the starling had danced across the snow until her will was at its end
I could have shook my fist at Heaven, but what good would it do
So I turned and walked slowly back towards home lest I be frozen too
Spring's breath has since blown all the ferocious winter storms away
And I still walk along the creek bank to relax and enjoy the day
But I cannot help but think of her when I pass by with eyes downcast
At wild lilies that mark the spot where the starling danced her last
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