fly

today they were beautiful:
their shiny plumage rainbow splashing;
some shy in splendor,
some amazed at what the mirror showed--
all beloved

and when they came round the corner,
music swelling,
they gasped
to see the lovers looking on;
eyes widened (some filled)
to see the lovers straining for a glimpse

today they spread their wings
to fly
and we, the lovers, faces upturned in wonder,
clapped our empty hands and blessed them, precious and beloved, every one