Every year we perched together in the eve

We were barely alike, like the leaves

of a young pine and an elder oak

shedding before winter, bitter and foul

A timid crow against an eagle-owl

Admired your feathers, gold and grey, flowing

around your chiseled figure, years of soaring

over rivers and valleys from which greenery

flourishes. Yet my feathers, incandescent creation

were drenched in darkest ashes and procrastination.

Both birds, but of different races who

could not even speak to each other. “Uhoo,”

you’d say. “Uhoo,” while I hopped away

Yet, I recall those quiet nights

under your seraphic wings, a noble knight.

Heineken beers and greasy chicken, poker cards

Earth-bound Cassiopeia, plasma shards

infinitesimal moments

We settled down for one more July eve

gold and grey feathers falling like leaves

You glanced curiously at my sketches

autumn eyes wanting to discover new riches

“Uhoo.” You wanted to see some drawings

The fool I was, hid from you with no words

not knowing winter would come early afterwards

“Uhoo”, you muttered. Suddenly you would fly,

drifting away, not even a whisper

goodbye.