Tailwind: Poems by a Teenage Naturalist

Flock Beyond

Come hither all lost souls of mine
You have reached the front line
Dark epaulettes stained with red
I meet you on my wings of lead
As you take your final breath
And meet me, the Admiral of Death

Bow down to me, the bird of coal
Henceforth now I judge your soul
Glance back at the road you took
The juror raven will take a look
I read every choice you made
Will you proceed to the Dove's Glade?

Perhaps your soul is not so pure
Of this disease there sadly is no cure
Drops of starlight burn your flesh
As the flock of starlings mesh
Tarry not: it is not long to wait
Until you meet the punishment of fate

But what of those who still grow old?
Voices carried, and stories told
The legacy you left behind
You can judge if you find
Do they think of you often? Or scarce say a word?
Your reflection is a mockingbird

And for those who still live on?
Who have to face that you are gone?
To you I will voice their pain
A heart wrenching screech never to wane
I serenade you with a song so foul
Grief lies in the song of the barn owl

Dear creature this must be such a fright
Let a hummingbird sing you through the night
Essence of life is what my song brings
As I give young spirits their wings
So allow me to be your guide
And fly with me to the other side