I was born, this time, as often before
at the tail-end of chaos
and darkness
and war.
Shaken by horror, at last, you could see
something worth saving,
protecting,
in me.

Helpless and fragile,
naked and small,
I hadn’t much chance
of surviving
at all.
And yet, once you saw me,
your heart recognised
something you’d lost
that you wished you had prized.

Something so precious,
so fragile, so true:
a gift for the many
and not for the few.

**

Sun shone on my wings, there,
on Windermere’s shore.
Safe haven to fledge in;
protected by law.

How your heart lifted,
when first I took flight.
Seeds of hope sprouted;
you smiled
at the sight.

I travelled through Europe.
I soared high –
so strong.
I dreamed I’d get bigger –
forever.

I’m wrong.

**

The raptors are circling,
protections are sparse.
Beware falling feathers,
they’re sharp
shards of glass.

Why do you trap me?
Caged,
I can’t fly.
I shatter on bars.
Caged,
I will die.

From fire I was born,
to fire, I’ll return.
It’s men start the fire;
it’s children that burn.

Remember how dark the skies were before?
Let me fly freely,
for all.

Let me soar!