we are each given a small bright bird,
to nurture and care for.
it is not certain where the bird comes from,
but it is alive in all at birth.
this sparrow often finds itself covered
in black soot.
its kind feathers
tarnished by social norms
and religious intolerance
and racist bigotry
and sexist discrimination
and all the evils
that streak the face of our
polluted planet.
and it's this place where
blood and disease run
thick
in the water,
and peace and love and trust are
smothered by the hands of
war and hatred.
in this place,
there is a starving mouth,
a yearning mind,
an imprisoned body,
and an oppressed soul.
but who are we, the mortals,
to give up?
cleanse the waters and wash the soot,
spreading the bird's sweet song across
the land.
for there must first be a darkness
that the light overcomes.
