1. He struggles to stand but slumps down,
He resolves but his wings won't resolve.

2. The ant has shriveled on the ground,
The cat meows, though mute.

3. He gathers his ancient humps as if
They were ribs breaking within him.

4. He's burdened by his two wings after
They had carried him, storming ahead.

5. Two wings - had they flown, they'd have hushed
The murmurs of bliss and he'd have finished gathering himself.

6. He watches the horizons like one who
Regrets the epoch of skies.

7. Sometimes he closes his eyes - has he seen
His ruin decreed or dreams of his past?

8. When the sun warms him he dozes, and imagines
It prey for him while he lurks.

9. Your eyes, old bird, are formidable -
Young birds flee from them in defeat.

10. It wasn't morning that failed you, but
All youth has awe when time makes it old.