cruelly marred by loss of flight
wings have crumbled set alight
ashes rained down from on high
what held him aloft has died

winds blasted his once strong wings
the source of his pride they'd been
now they caused him phantom pains
falsely sensing they remained

all the lives that he did save
from an accidental grave
and the guardianship he gave
could not help deliver him

his reward proved quite unkind
but to his fate he's resigned
yet some nights he still does cry
for his God to end his time

when some others soaring by
ask him why he will not try
when the air currents just seem
perfect for a flying dream