SYML - SYML

7 - The Bird

Mac looked out the hotel window. It wasn't morning yet, but there was no sleep left. The ice running through his veins since the diagnosis was shattering and corrupting him from the inside.

He wouldn't let his wife come. Nor his friends. The treatment was going to be horrible and he didn't want those he loved to have to experience it too. Experimental, they told him. That was all he had left.

In the tree outside his window, he could see a dove sleeping on a branch. In the barely-there light, it was little more than an outline. Its head tucked under its wing, unmoving, it looked like a porcelain figurine. Doves were symbols of peace, right? Maybe this is a good sign. The breeze moved leaves all around the bird, but it slept on. So peaceful.

He sighed. This would most likely be the last time he saw a tree for a while. Maybe for good.

He didn't pack much. His shave kit. A tablet to read. The doctors told him they would put him in a coma so he didn't have to be awake for the pain. Was it really a cure if it tries to kill you first? All he could hope was if he didn't make it through, his experience would help someone else.

He put his palms against the window, tilted his head back, and let the tears fall. When he opened them again, when the crying was done, he looked at the tree again. The dove slept on. Maybe that was the sign.

259 words

Lyrics ▼

[Verse 1]
Covered in dust
The wings of my porcelain dove
They don't trouble the waters my love
Frozen in time
Fragile to touch
She melts like the words on my tongue
The goddess of heavenly love
Fades out of sight

[Chorus]
All your stars are in view
I get lost loving you (Flame)

[Verse 2]
Dark was the night
Her shape burned a void in my eyes
It was black but so violently bright
Like the birth of a sun
So I cried out
But my voice could not be heard aloud
For held here safe in my mouth
The bird was done

[Chorus]
All your stars are in view
I get lost loving you