Wataridori, Migrating Bird

Wataridori, Migrating Bird

New Moon  September 3, 2024

(now)

your voice

my voice

are we listening

how do we hear

does the mind speak

or the body or the soul

does the wind have an ear

have you heard me call you

I am asking for help in the way I know how

(and now)

which is it

the last song of the night

or the first of a new morning

I could not hear

have you brought wind or mind or help

did you grow tired of singing

are you listening to your own voice

are you able to hear me

(and now)

the melody is ever-changing

does my voice need to hear yours

to know how to speak

your ear is in my mouth

I am listening to your listening

I have stopped my heart to listen

your voice in my throat

brings the faraway near

Poem by Qayyum Johnson

Painting by Suiko McCall. The Melody is Ever-Changing, 2023. Ink on Yupo, 26 x20″. Original in a private collection. Prints available at suiko.art.