A day in the early spring

a Blue Jay folded away

the wings of her book

as a young Fox came to stay

by her side, eyes bright with life.

He bared his sharp teeth in a sweet smile,

And she observed––curious but unafraid,

as they sat side by side

on the swings of change.

This is how the story goes:

 

Once Upon a Time, a Fox kit and a Jay chick

Shared

            a Secret

                         Smile.

 

My wing on your paw.

I put my beak to your nose.

 

An olive branch in between.

(Everything is vivid and yet blurry.)

 

This is how the story ends. 

• She’s seen the blood on his teeth, 

• the Hare that was almost her, 

• she’ll never give in now,

• the memory of him

• will never bring her peace.

• So, she sings their story:

• A ballad of betrayal.

• The story of her foe fox, 

• nothing but a faux fable.

 

We’re older now. Hungrier. Crueler.

 

Once Upon a Time, I thought I knew you. I don’t know if I ever knew you.

All I know is you didn’t care, you never cared (not as much as I did).

 

Go on, charm the cheese out of crows,

      Call them all the Queen of Birds.

 

I’m up high in the sky, flying far, far away from you.

      Stay away, for my talons, too, are sharp.