Song of the Solitary Koel
At dawn’s first hush, I perch in silent strength. Night schooled my heart to master hidden flame. Anger may rise like heat beneath my wings, Yet still I choose the branch of self-control. The forest hums with honeyed, fragile lies. Not every call that echoes means me well. Some smiles are traps disguised in golden light, Some vows dissolve like mist at break of day. I learned that fairness does not rule the trees. The just may fall while cunning shadows rise. So I rely upon my tempered wings, Before I lean on any borrowed nest. The wind once carried those who swore to stay; They vanished like dry leaves in restless gusts. From empty branches, I rebuilt my poise, And found my strength was rooted deep within. I know the difference now in forest ways: Between loud flocks and souls who rest in peace. With some, the silence settles soft and warm; With most, the air grows heavy with pretense. I learned to say a quiet, certain no. To leave the vines that tighten round my flight. To guar...