Why Birds Fly Home

By Andrée Dion

Her mother begged her to stay;
but try convincing
a butterfly to stay grounded.

Her father tried to bribe her,
but try finding a replacement
for freedom.

They couldn't teach her experience.

An untamed creature,
she roamed the streets
without boundaries.

Finally free.

Windows are transparent,
but still there to crash into.

When they found her,
her hair was a tangle
of dirty blonde, and
her fingers were numb
from the cold.

Everyone thought she was crazy,
but the ecstasy in her eyes
wasn't there before.

And only she knows
why birds fly home.