I remember sleeping by that tree. You would carry me and whisper "I'll make you forgive me."

One night I dreamt of birds.

I remember they were yellow

and quick.

I was sleeping on the ground.

So they made me a nest of sticks.

I told them I would fly

I told them they would see

They grabbed me by my shoulders

And put me in that tree.

At the end of the branch I’d stand

where they’d pull feathers from my skin

They told me I would fly

I told them I would sin.

Flesh then removed

Feathers fluffed and fresh

Should these wings carry me

Maybe I could rest

They fed me flies and worms

So succulent and sweet

Whispered their beliefs

their words, no longer tweets

I’d feel the wind beneath me

As if calling just as loud

How far did I think I’d fly

Just staring at the ground?

One night I’ll dream of birds

The ones that were yellow

and quick

They will take me off the ground

And make me a nest of sticks.

They will nourish me with worms,

Make my feathers sprout

They will walk me to the edge

And forgive me for my doubt.

-T.Reid