Sent to work
without wings
I searched under cobwebs
and waylaid cocoon rings.

I traded hearts
with burning moths
and tried to save theirs
from ashen dust.

Even fireflies in autumn
pressed them between leaves
and the butterflies hid theirs
among sinew streams.

I even looked in the ocean
and studied the gills
and wondered if I could use them
as temporary swings.

I stood with birds
tried to clip theirs alive
and the bees they were noisy
the flies were a rude bunch.

At last I let go
and buried my hands
my soul soared high
with wings I thought I never had.

We are all angels
without the outer wings
our souls have them hidden
until we are ready to flee.

©Malintha Perera 2015