She was found on the wayside unmoving

I thought she was gone in the scorching heat

Unwilling to leave, I touched the little being

And felt the beating, faint though, of her heart.

 

Her plumes were burning in the roasting sun

Yet, there was a spark of life in her eyes

She didn’t resist my grab and moved its chin

As if saying ‘take me home I’ll be nice’.

 

So off we went, the baby dove and I

In my little room I served her water

She drank with struggle which made my heart sigh

Oh! then she walked in a happy manner.

 

Relieved, to my bed I retired to sleep

In the wee hours something made me wake up

I found the bird half leaning on the floor

She looked frail, I patted her in despair.

 

With all heart, I prayed for the petite bird.

For a wonder I appealed to the Lord

To heal the dove and to give her life

To let her live in a world that’s safe.

 

In the morning hour, I rushed to the bird

Only to find her lifeless and stiff form

Which crushed my heart, and like a child I cried.

 Our dream hadn’t come true in any form.

 

When alive, I heard not her slightest sound

In death her eyes still remained wide opened

Proclaiming, her unfulfilled, winged visions 

Will she be there in the timeless mansions?

 

                                           Ipe   Mathews ©