How to Build an Owl

1.     Decide you must.

2.     Develop deep respect
        for feather, bone, claw.

3.     Place your trembling thumb
        where the heart will be:
        for one hundred hours watch
        so you will know
        where to put the first feather.

4.     Stay awake forever.
        When the bird takes shape
        gently pry open its beak
        and whisper into it: mouse.

5.     Let it go.

 

Poems by Kathleen Lynch: