If You Try To Hold A Bird Poem by Mark Heathcote

If you try to hold a bird
You've got to be firm but also gentle
If it's a small bird
Put its head between your forefinger
And middle finger
And if you get it right
You'll prevent its imminent flight
And you'll feel like a magician
Holding on to that dove or frightened raven.

Small birds up to blackbird size
You can hold it in the palm of your hand
But know, they might cry, caw to the sky
For release, for freedom.
But know, they are all mythical creatures
That can fly over great lakes
But know, this being handled is very stressful
Sometimes it's better to be unsuccessful
And just let go.