Keep Me

Wrap me in feathers
Bright canary yellow;
Surround me with mirrors
That reflect quiet companionship.

Keep me in a sunlit room
Away from ill winds that blow;
Drape my cage with softness
To protect me from the harshness of humankind.

Provide cool bathing waters
And ample space to dry my ruffled down;
Feed my hunger with grains of life
Sprinkled with the fresh fruits of past efforts.

Croon soothing melodies
As I sway rhythmically on my perch.
Let me slumber with
Head tucked safely under my wing.

Turn off the man-made glare of lights tonight;
Perhaps the new morning sun
Will force a canary song
From my soul - once again.

---Jacqueline M. Yohe