Wounded Bird
BY MARY COOPER
You have scars.
They are not evident; hidden from the world.
They are deep inside; written on your heart.
When you were young, you fell prey to a trap.
Your wings were clipped, holding you back.
You fell from your nest and haven't been the same.
Other things have hurt you too, along the way.
The world if full of animals and snares.
Without the protection of the nest, you are all alone.
Trouble and hurt; you have seen more than your share.
Although the hurt faded, you never completely healed.
You startle easy and don't allow yourself to trust or feel.
You hide behind trees and bushes, leaves and brush.
You have built up barriers to protect your true self, hiding
from so much.
Oh wounded bird, please try to fly.
Quit looking back toward the nest or down at the cold, hard
ground.
There is only one way true freedom can be found.
So, wounded bird, please spread your wings and fly. Yes, sweet bird, FLY!
