THE DAINTY MONSTERS
Michael
Ondaatje
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‘Description is a Bird’
In the afternoon while the sun twists down
they come piggle piggle piggle all around the air.
Under clouds of horses the sand swallows turn
quick and gentle as wind.
All virtuoso performances
that presume a magnificent audience.
The leader flings his neck back, turns thinner than whims.
Like God the others follow
anticipating each twist, the betrayals of a feather.
For them no thumping wing beat of a crow,
they bounce on a breath
scattering with the discipline of a watch.
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