my heart follows a path
toward you
though where you are
is uncertain
who you are
unknown
that doesn’t stop this heart
from seeking
through words
and endless action
the heart that beats
inside you
hearts
once in my bookstore
once
in my bookstore
a woman approached books
as if they were holy scripture
tenderly turning pages
letting the poetry
wash over her
I could love
a woman like that
in whose hands
a heart
would be cherished
and safe
Bird-Catcher’s Song by Jacques Prevert
The bird that flies so sweetly
The bird red and warm as blood
The bird so tender the bird mocking
The bird that suddenly is afraid
The bird that suddenly hurts itself
The bird that would like to flee
The bird alone and enraged
The bird that would like to live
The bird that would like to sing
The bird that would like to cry
The bird red and warm as blood
The bird that flies so sweetly
It’s your heart pretty child
Your heart that beats for the wings so sadly
Against your breast so hard and white
translated by Mark Strand and Jean Ballard
Leonard Durso 