Better than;Birds of a Feather—by A.J.M. Aldrian

Better than; Birds of a Feather
Better than the sweater that loved you when no one else did…
the worn one with holes at the base and in the sleeve
the one that you wore to bed every night in college, cause you had nothing better
the one that kept you warm in rainy weather, with the hood up and eyes down low.
the one you shared hugs and kisses and cold fingertips in;
You are better than any sweater like that I own.
You are better than a warm cup of tea on an evening too cold,
like staring out into the snow, I find you in each flake, unknown
better than the stream rising to my nose, the scent and sense of warmth,
a swallow of it, through me and down to my bones,
your eyes, your words, your lips; the color of home
Easier still to taste the essence of you on wet, temperate, leafy, sips,
and touch my hand to the frosted window sill, wondering, if you are ever to feel this…
My dreams don’t see you yet, but always have, always better
caught you sideways in the moonlight, dancing over the stars like music notes soaring
in the kitchen, slowly curling to the rhythm of the evening and the morning,
steps I have stepped before, a waltz, a foxtrot, a twirl
you forget me, for I’m no more than a girl
but you are a better man.
Need I not feet or blood or bone to feel you in the breeze,
the sighing, scarred sky; you are cloud-wisps in the sunlight sparkling,
reaching down to earth, like you have always known
shining on the changeling rings of the fairies’ snow
I want to go with you and melt into the grass, the dirt, the earth
forever left to feed you in dewdrops singing low
You’re better than the branches of the tree rising, crying,
for water, mineral, moss and loam
I, only a crow on your limb, cawing to sky, sighing
calling you, desperately, my home…my voice an echoing metronome
There is comfort in that secret of my dark feathers, pruning and nesting
to you, whenever. My trinkets collected here, golden and chrome
for your smiles and prayers ascent in your bark and leaves, your state of being
is better than any sanctuary I have alone.