[IMAGE: https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmRatBCVxPKSzundnMpbFCErYDwJnThKFGY3PQv3vvgxDW/tumblr_n1mqdjkdup1s36xnjo1_400.jpg]

You are a Nightingale,
A tiny dark bird,
Abigail—

So lovely and fair ;

I would paint you
With words

But you wash
The canvas black
With your dark hair.

You spoiled
My perfect record
Of loneliness,
Now there’s nowhere
To hide,

I flee inside
To my heart’s empty places,

my heart transparent,
helpless as a dove.

I would cherish you

But I am too frightened
To sing your praises
Or name my love.

© 2019, John J Geddes. All rights reserved

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