It’s for the Birds - a Poem for Day Fourteen of PAD

Yes, I'm catching up. This is my poem for day fourteen of the April PAD Challenge, and here is the prompt:

For today’s prompt, pick a popular saying and make that the title of your poem; then, write your poem. Some possible titles might include: “Blood Is Thicker Than Water,” “You Can’t Judge a Book By Its Cover,” “More Than You Can Shake a Stick At,” and so many others. 

If Wings Could Talk

It’s for the Birds

Just once, I’d like to belong
to the world outside
my sliding door,
that place where
another reality
thrives, where
hummingbirds nest
and red-winged
blackbirds call out
to the sky, then fly away,
day, night.

Just once, I’d like to exist
among those breathing
aircraft, spread my wings,
release my beak (sharp
as needle-nosed pliers),
settle into my bed
of twigs, leaves, mud, nest-
     le to the sound of crickets,
be rocked to sleep
by my cousin,
the soaring wind.

Just once, I’d like to stretch

my wings like fingers, splash
my lining in the wake
of a cool lily pond, dip
down into a farmer’s barn,
fatten up on stolen,
scattered grain.

Just once, I’d like to fit
in with a flock of star-
lings, cause a stir,
watch passersby
drop their jaws
in delight
at my
transcend-
     ental
          pur-
               ity.

***