“duchess with a bird”…my poem
in stiff embrace…
duchess with a bird
The hennin is the mode,
it weighs upon her head
but she does not wonder
that it claims the eye,
it is a tower, but a trifle,
the flaring horns are innocent
of finery or fancy,
they trail alike to capes
that hide much of her gown.
She flaunts her wealth and her self,
and marvels as she stands alone
in stiff embrace of the tiny bird,
her new universe, a bird’s horizon,
without joy, nor caper,
she cannot twirl.
The bird does not incline to fly,
it has no song,
quiet instants escape their time,
the bird is mystic,
it does not flail or flee,
she moves her empty hand to no avail,
together they make a tableau.
She who has no name
does not think to share a word,
she feels no need to seek for more,
the bird is indistinct, content,
it stays.
She is a duchess with a bird,
she tilts her head,
her double-horned hat flares,
it makes a scene,
it conjures trailing musics,
and pomp of court.
July 27, 2024
Inspired by sculpture at Birch Creek 315, Linden Ponds, Hingham, MA
Revised based on feedback from Dee Bayne
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My poetry. Copyright © Richard Carl Subber 2024 All rights reserved.
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