She lept from a rotted pier plank
to a winter worn beach
the waves incessant
a familiar beat
it was all in her head
a pulse and a dream
a maybe and a tar patched street
she caught sight of a dove
paper wings, body and all
origami made of love
her pace quickened as
her knees grew weak
she just had to see
she just had to see
the lake wind grew strong
and thick
helter skelter
but her flame would'nt quit
fingers to earth
fingers to sky
ontario wind teasing her pride
driftwood, a bent back nail
broken glass, a bloody foot trail
a march sky, blurry eyes
she took a final swipe
she held her prize
she crumbled to the ground
in mortal defeat
clenched in her fist a bar room receipt
bent in the sand
forehead to wrists
her tears bind the grains
before a cold spring mist.
(c)2009Michael William Bates