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lyrics

The Finches

Were you careless in your flight, oh yellow finch?
thinking weightlessness, propulsion just a game,
a sleight of wing?

Did you not see the glass, oh yellow finch?
Did you mistake the reflection for a projection,
a mirage – more branches, more sky,
more space through which to fly?

I did not hear the crash, did not see the fall
I came upon you, lifeless on stone tile –
legs pulled tight, wings tucked close, eyes
unseeing
a trail of blood from soundless beak

He stood beside you, your russet mate
hopping side to side
head tilting left to right, right to left

Had no-one taught him the finality of death?

We formed a wordless wake around your still lifelessness
– the gardener, with plastic bag in hand
eager to dispose of your remains,
a solemnity of ants encircling

Your passing so recent, flies did not attend

Your mate, head tilted, hopping left to right
right to left

Chirrup?
Silence
Chirrup??
Silence
Chirrup – then the slow
rush of his wings

credits

from The Cowichan Series, released June 1, 2019

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about

Jim Jackson Calgary, Alberta

Jim Jackson is a Calgary Herald bestselling author, reluctant gentleman and dabbler in the dark arts of blues music. Jim’s mission is to give – in these troubled times – intelligent escapism for modern readers and listeners.

Find out more at jacksontron.com
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