redwing
driving a narrow asphalt band
over glacier-flattened land
upon scenery almost bland
your crimson caught my eye
that bloody badge you always wear
snaps into focus through the summer glare
your oak-a-lee decree declared
over the field where your kingdom lies
perched along the wire fences
and over corn fields see the black bird fly
pressing wings against the wind
sweeping clouds away
ebony cloak and ruby crest
you’re always beautifly dressed
a gracious host to my traveling guest
just passing through in overdrive
horizon wavers in the heat of june
halfway there and it’s only noon
i try whistling your signature tune
but you’ve perfected it all your life
puctuating every mile here and there
i see the black bird fly
on the drive up to dekalb finest thing to do
behind curved shield of glass
little towns go sailing past
in sharp relief ‘neath summer skies
moving to some destination
hoping for some transormation
waiting for this moment to arise
redwing moves like a phospher trace
upon a body as black as space
i see you wearing it everyplace
the live-long day and the dead of night
and from your crow’s nest power line
do you keep watch or just mark time
do you even notice this car of mine
moving steadily out of sight
perched along the wire fences
and over corn fields see the black bird fly
pressing wings against the wind
sweeping clouds away
© 2009 by mike helm |
