Perhaps it’s the weather,
the fear of cold’s long fingers
creeping under doorframes
making this beloved town so timid.
Except, in spring’s wild warming
the blankets stay wrapped around ears,
phones on call display,
caution primly masquerading as risk management.
Ah, but the sweet taste of boldness…
Viagra of the heart,
one drop in each water cooler
to stiffen resolve
– en-courage, en-liven,
make frisky with possibilities.
Pensions and prestige
lure mountain sheep from rocky heights
to nibble mildly in their pens
… eagles ensnared
in the tangle of lining their nests,
forgetting how to fly.
Wild sheep need no shepherd,
eagles no falconer.
A whiff of freedom,
one sip of compassion’s rich bittersweetness
brings confidence to ruffle feathers,
willingness to soar.