we built broad roofs,

wings upon wings

raising the rafters

higher, higher

avian homes, in our hearts

arose to shelter

dreams aside dreams.

(we drew the plans

in secret rooms

pens and trace

layer on layer.

lines unflawed

were hopes and hopes

to synthesize

an unbuilt hanger)

months and months

have passed along

since visions

of a nest had hatched,

now wings unfeathered

and rafters rusted

we have yet to call

the sky our home