twists of fate... (4)

Well, this one has really nothing to do with the previous twists.

It's in a category of its own, violent and tender, frail and strong, bold and bashful, ridiculous and lovely.

A twist, nevertheless.

Because it's just what you'd expected from a flesh-and-blood beloved.


And couldn't find.

*       *       *

I smashed my wings
against the rain-soaked deck
and was happy you lifted me
into your safe fingers and palms.
If not too disgusted, hold me
close forever keenly.


--Barry MacSweeney, 'Looking Down From the West Window', from Pearl, in Wolf Tongue (Tarset, Northumberland: Bloodaxe, 2003), p. 195.