"the Feather" by Bob Atkinson

"The Feather"

(c)2010 Bob Atkinson

the feather is a lightweight tool

the bird uses to gain his flight

a magical gift that gives him freedom

from the gravity we all feel

to the bird

this freedom has been

by heritage given, by battle taken

a long standing situation

the ones who decorate their bodies

with feathers see this need to fight

they clearly have a purpose sound

survival in the feathered realm

the bird takes his feathers seriously

picks and preens on them constantly

he knows that in a moment's grasp

his life upon them must pass

for there are others who would grab

him for a moment's feeding

and use his body as fuel for life

yes,

he must always be ready for a fight

being ready keeps him safe

he flies above the rocks and trees

soars so high that he can see

yet not be seen by those he'd eat

oh yes, the feather is a tool

that keeps the bird calm and cool

it allows them to fly beyond the clouds

way far above the ground


we take this symbol of great power
we keep it close at hand

gets us ready for hard struggles

against both nature and our fellow man