Brittermark

With voice fragile as a china doll
And eyes wide as full moons
She crept onto the gaping stage
To overtake her doom
The rows of teeth stretched before her
Eager for the tender kill
Silent as a sickly lamb
She held her world to stand-still
And the first wavering note
Clove the air from ear to ear
Holding breaths in united pause
That all the earth might hear

"Let the children rise
And kiss the rosy dawn
To dance from hill
To shining sea
Forever more in peace "

Calfs screaming for sweet release
A mirage of rainbow and sun
She danced before them
As light and shadow joined as one
Tender as the night-stars
Blinking in morning light
They witnessed all a miracle
The dying dove took flight
And left them glued breathless
To confining leather seats
Staring blankly from their cages
To where joy and sorrow meet.

"Let the children rise
And kiss the rosy dawn
To dance from hill
To shining sea
Forever more in peace "