Blackbird, your wings – reminiscent of ashen skies
iridescent as blue morpho butterflies
the impaling of your sharpened eyes
tricky black witch, all knowing, you cackle
shapeshifter, a Yaqui Indian
desert bird, a grackle
Stirring, you stare me down
shaking mesquite leaves to the ground
the air is a thick musk of sage
smudged for peace, for prayers
a wish to cease the wars we wage
With vision, pure of heart
this message of love unfurls
breath peace – peace
in this world