Still, we wait for sounds of plumage
in this world even angels shun.

Now egrets, spoonbills are earth’s
last guardians. Larks keep us

from malice of suns, ravens
spread their dark wings, blue with blessing.

We will not release our belief in feathers.
We will not deny benevolence of flight,

or those who, like gods from above,
watch us with dire eyes.