conversation with a mockingbird

you're the one, I said
I know your voice

when I hear it
I stop breathing
to listen

.....................he said nothing

last year
your joyous unearthly
turn of phrase
caught me
in mid-step
standing on one foot
to listen
.......................he turned his head
..........................that's funny, he said

the year before
I was dreaming
of pearls
peaches
sea anemones
blooming
in the perfect circle
of your voice

...........................go on, he said

the year before that
I had made a wish
for you
to stay
...........................but I don't stay

my morning bells
and slivers of moon
how do you carry
in your song
the sound of
silver and glass
in a mountain stream
of water
falling
over hemlock roots
hidden in pines
flying downward
through cliffs
....................I do not carry a song
...........I open my mouth and it happens
.................is it not the same for you?


................He flicked his tail and flew
he had bird things to do