birds arose in wingless silence
how long must they stay put
prisoners in their feathered nests
sitting thus like disenhearted squirrels
empty nut bin stilling wings

singing was allowed
encouraged by passing strangers
whistling in the darkness 
plumped by hearts filled with joy
in spite of restrictive circumstance

waiting waiting to be freed
alone in each effort
listen, you can hear the beating
drumbeat of hearts enthralled
fluttering high into jetstreams
no wings allowed

Birds is a unique original mono print, created in acrylic paint on a gelli plate, then hand embellished and finished with ink and color pencil.