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