in which only one lorikeet arrived

sick bird, asleep on a chair

all day,  the winter cold

ruffling feathers like snow

 

though green shone bright

in the northern light.

luminous fever,

 

to recoup in person land

with lorikeet man at hand

to hover and fret, poor bird

 

with strength enough

to fly away and not come

back. now one arrives

 

alone, hesitant in the doorway

back to the chair

not daring to look

 

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