THIS BIRD

Imaginary Garden With Real Toads

I saw someone
who looked a lot like you
before you went crazy

but it was only from pictures
that I saw the resemblance

for as long as I knew you
you 
were a little off
but I just chalked it up
as part of the cost of loving

but there comes a point
of diminishing returns
on one's investment
so you cut your losses
before they cut into you 


the song of the cuckoo
as she flies over her nest
will bombard my heart
with second thoughts
but last impressions 
are always more telling

who have you been
for lo these many lives
and how many people
are crying quietly inside you?

You wanted me to be your knight
but I can't save you from the demons
that will one day drag you screaming
to your own private hell