Poetry "Hobbled Bird" Response to a poem by Ted Smith Befitting an invalid a hobbled bird, he said a body placed in limbo until its time to be used or abused Soft it's wings as a milkweed pod protected in its virginal cocoon thrown free for but a brief fairie moment then chased by the wind of insincerity Feathers ripped apart bit by bit never to return to the cracked nest squashed and weakened trampled by the mighty foot of dominance male or mental Only until the fetters are loosed is she an invalid a winged body now scattered by the wind of reality and knowledge For where she takes root She will thrive For where one was, are many milkweed pods on the hill!  Copyright 1996 CARA       Copyright and all reproduction rights on paintings and poetry reserved by the artist and Cara Studios