BROKEN BIRD

quiet bird, gentle bird
you flew in Iraq

placed in harm’s way
in our “gentlemen’s” fray

until that black day
you were shot in the back

weary bird, handsome bird
where are your wings?

they hang in sad pieces
to your body they cling

charred remnants torn
in the oil/gas wars

our leaders unleashed
to increase their stores

homebound bird, veteran bird
I heard you ask why

no one will tell you
how you can fly

what lands you can visit
what songs you might sing

if you cannot soar high
through skies of new spring?

wild bird, wondrous bird
tip feathered head near

to hear the sweet notes
the sacred winds bring

to help you forget
the deafening ring

from bombs built by rich men
to kill living things