"For Kelly..."

Fly, Red Bird Fly

Wonderfully red,

crimson plumed cardinal…

I watch in awe as you

build your thatch bound nest

among

thistles and thorns,

always the thistles and thorns.

Impenetrably hidden for protection,

but too deep to be admired

by the warming Sun,

you fossilize.

Until one day

no longer fearing the World,

you muster courage

to fly away…

never looking down

at the thistles and thorns,

always the thistles and thorns,

you leave

behind.

 

To All:

I am beside myself with grief to say that this poem is dedicated to my friend, Kelly Pritchard, who was sadly diagnosed earlier this month with a rare form of ovarian cancer. For those who know her (and even those that don’t), please keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you.

Jason