Them birds again
and their themes 

of peace and 
reconciliation 

I was feeling
hopeful last 

night but
realized it 

was far too 
comfortable;

hope, if anything,
a nerve exposed.

No, it was something
else I felt, a trick

of the mind designed
to protect, ancient 

as our diving reflex,
as fight or flight,

something animal,
a kindness

to cushion
the blow