Bye Bye Birdie

There was a time when I held his hand                         

Deepening wrinkles crossed his shroud

Once happy face turned down at me

As the sun dims behind a cloud.



Alone I sighed at our connection

Like a dog waiting for command

But none such loving treat he threw

At the child that held his hand.



What a tower that shielded me back then

A rocky place where I could run

But hard as stone he proved to be

To his doting second son.



He had all the answers it seemed

As the years and times went by

But his strong tower disappeared

On the day I saw him cry.



Then his bird, she flew away

Never to return

His teeth he gnashed toward the beast

But still his heart, it burned.



That heart so bright now ashen came

As time and tears ran by

His stars they fell like Heaven’s sons

His points they left his sky.



With heart as black as sorrow’s soul

He tried to soldier on

And lick his wounds for pity’s sake

Since all his hope was gone.



Then the time for holding hands

And other childhood things

Fell victim to the birdie’s flight

His hatred burned my wings.



Now the hand that holds my own

Looks up to me each day

With trusting light and loving gaze

For me to lead his way.



That ashen hurt and fiery things

For him will never be

Since darkened times and loneliness

I absorbed in me.



I hold his heart and hand in mine

Determination steeling

For with his trust and faith in me

He brought about my healing.