In Parting

After one but before the next,
In a tree where new life writhed and flexed
Two birds emerged to hold the world
And grow from feeble talons curledBut fate would see them part that day
As lightning cut their branch away
By winds to distant places sent
Almost as if it all had meantThat though their bloodied wounds would fade,
Theyd wonder where their brother lay
For every day from that day on
Theyd wait to hear a certain songIn vain, for years, though one was strong
And one was not, for far too long
Until his bones and thoughts were old,
And feathers burnt and lost and coldThe stronger of the two could see
A distant bird, how weak was he
In drawing near but knowing not,
Just who he was, or why, or whatThe stronger talons tore at flesh
And stripped away that feathered mess
And all without a sound or cry,
Or even ever knowing whyYet as the sun began to sink
He seemed to sense, he seemed to think
That soon his brother might appear
From somewhere close, from somewhere near
Convinced this was his brothers fate,
Above his corpse, he sat to wait