The Eclectic Nurse

                    Once upon the dullest of nights,
                    While my thoughts were missing in flight,
                    Branches rattled as if in fright
                    Like old bones found on the shore.

                    As thoughts fought me to collect them,
                    A loud sound, as a deflection,
                    Brought me back to stark attention,
                    Ceasing that long tug-of-war.

                    Here in stumbled quite a creature
                    Not without some sullied features,
                    Like the circus lost its preacher;
                    Laying, now, upon my floor.

                    Warring thoughts so soon were fleeting –
                    As my heart so quick to beating
                    loved this creature not retreating,
                    Leaving feathers at the door.

                    Such a sad and endearing bird.
                    I did not utter any words,
                    I only did what first occurred
                    To me: to fix what was torn.

                    Numerous hours passed us by.
                    He did not moan nor did he cry.
                    He looked at me, then at the sky
                    And spread out his wings – aimed for shore.

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