Why Would a Bird?
Why would a bird
perch on a swinging branch—
A bird whose safety is unsecured?
Why would a bird
perch on a swinging branch—
A bird who must be exhausted.
Why would a bird
perch on a swinging branch—
A bird whose life can be measured in months?
Why would a bird
perch on a swinging branch—
A bird who must work to keep itself fed?
​
And you, my friend—
Because you are never full,
eat the second piece of cake.
Because your end may be in October,
skip down the sidewalk hill.
Because you are tired to the bone,
dance just a little,
just a little,
just a little.
Because you are never completely safe,
sing singsingsingsing siiiinnnngggg
Like a bird
perched on a swinging branch.