In Our Nature

It was a tiny thing,

Small enough to cup in one hand,

Beautiful lemon yellow sweeping its delicate wing.

 

I watched him fluttering

While you, Mother, held

The scowling menace in a matron’s grip.

 

I watched him fly

Then struggle,

Watched him exhausted,

Watched the agonies double.

Little head defeated upon the window pane.

 

I didn’t move.

You moved,

Swapped cat for bird,

In thoughtlessly tender hands.

Your nature, cast into flight

Out of the open window.