The Aviary Poem by Shannon Walker

Ave, what fo you hear as your kite float on the wind?
It's getting late, and father's calling it's time to reel it in.

Just a little bit longer; I won't make him mad,
I just don't want to be alone.
The sun in still out, and the line is still singing,
And no way to take my friends home.

Ave, you must listen to me when I speak, it's only the waves that you hear.
There are no people, there are no voices, and the wind in the line isn't clear.

Then just how is it that they call me by name
When daddy sends you for me,
And just how did I know before seeing your face
That you left the house at three?

I'm going to burn your kite. I'm going to set it aflame, and put all this to an end.
I can't tell father: he's worried enough, and if he cracks up, what then?

I don't know why you hate them that way.
They talk to me when I'm down.
And sometimes, they tell me of things yet to come,
And how to act when they come around.

The just what will happen Lil Ave? Does my name float on the wind?
If they tell you so much, why don't you share? I'm both your sister and friend.

Do you ever get tired of being alone
Out here on the strand?
Why doesn't anyone ever walk on this beach,
Or come by to shake father's hand?

Ave, you're taking too long, and we can't stay here any more.
Tell them goodbye, whoever they are, and let's go; it's almost four.

They told me to stay. They don't want me to go,
And they want you to go alone.
They say mommy's with them out there in the deep,
And if I want, I can go home.