the trees with their gnarled trunks and broad crowns
were an invitation to take a walk
the path followed the trees
and I followed the path

the birds owned and inhabited
the trees they had one large bird body that
continually renewed itself

when a bird fell it lay in the sand its back bent
its black beady eyes fixed its wings
folded half shut
half in flight mode

the minuscule translucent beak
open
aghast

did it receive its last kiss
in the air does it sing in the
moonlight

I must not forget I have feet
and legs as heavy as bags of salt

Translation: Michele Hutchinson