Bird in Hand

I have captured
the singing bird
I clutch it carefully
reverently
and I feel its body
heat and its heart
racing
So I coo to it
and it settles
gradually
And it listens
like a bird does
And then I unfold
my strong gentle
hands
The bird regards
me closely
and smiles like
a bird does
and can
I tell this bird
to go be free
and she slowly
stands on
matchstick legs
and with a nod
like a bird can
spreads open
her wide wings
and leaves me
I watch her
fly away
I know I shall
see her another
fine day
Because she is
my bird
once in hand
forever in heart
Now depart
And I smile
with such joy
Because birds
need freedom
just like me
Fly, bird, fly....