broken bird I am a broken bird hobbling along the beach sanderlings linger rushing in and out as the tide swallows up my footprints pressed for a short time into the earth my trail disappears behind me as swiftly as thoughts into the sun along the orange rayed horizon of a disappearing day reflections bubble up with sand fleas as waves retreat from painting the sand beat beat beat swoosh ticks in time the heartbeat of earth as gentle as mine I walk this life along ridges and edges tempting myself to step and fall into this depth which I call myself a perfect shell calls a perfect life curling up within me filling my spiral which turns with a clockwise plan shells lie broken beneath my feet angel wings tossed upon the sand such symbols whisper silently still longing for me to understand I drag one foot behind me now as I walk with slowed breath my shore tearing sands away from my broken bird heart and my broken bird way