Startled Birds

over a bridge of clouds I passed

not looking at my reflection in the water

and it seemed to me there was no sound

when the harp of shadows passed

to no other

and that my heart was taken from me

by things no longer on earth.

then wind for me a harp of pearl

and I will stand

soundless on a bridge of clouds

with all around the startled birds

you folded into snow

II

sensing the clouds above the clouds

I tried to run-

finding the severed music, everywhere

forgetting how to walk

this loose stitching

always comes undone

undone

a thousand laments were launched;

they fell into foam...

and I am singing low, so low

by the edges of your seas

the startled birds of your lost

languages-

reprieved

mary angela douglas 27 august 2011