The Wood Pigeon

A wood pigeon lay on the grass

Barely lit by the twilight sky

Twisted and torn

Gulping for air

Mauled and injured on the lawn

Bitten and bloodied by a bird of prey

Everywhere were strewn feathers

Battle scars of white and grey

She just looked at me and gasped

I could not let loneliness be with her for her last breath

So I stayed until her black pip eye closed shut

And her head slumped forward

All I could see was her grey soft hood as she knelt in death

I wondered where I could make a grave

A good goodbye for one so brave

I moved toward her soulless carcass

But she sprang into life

And attempted to fly

Hobbling and flapping as she tried

But the pain too much

She stopped again

Two eyes now suddenly bright

Under the moonlight

I held her battered chest to mine

Her breath shallow

Her heart beat faint

For the pendulum to settle on life or death

I could only wait

She slept, but I was sure by dawn

That body bleeding and torn would be lifeless

But morning came and she awoke

She took water and seeds placed in her throat

One day I hope to see her fly again

Reign as Queen of my conifer tree,

I wonder what she thinks

As with those two pip eyes she looks at me and blinks

To you it may sound absurd

But I’m quite attached to that wee bird