the second thing you must know

...is that we are all strange birds
and we must be careful of magicians
who would carve us into useful things

they will work you if you let them
until back breaks, fingers bleed,
and you choose survival over sleep

first, they'll steal your magic
so they can keep it for themselves
and turn you into something else

next, they'll say, "your body isn't yours
it's only here to make others happy--
let's cut you up for parts
and throw away rest"

they'll train you like a circus tiger
parse out all your needs and wants
to keep you jumping through their hoop

what a fine coat you'll make!
how fine your skin! how soft and supple!
a lady's coat; a landlord's slippers

the universe still comes at night
it winds its way through little crackers
it speaks if you will listen

i've heard it lives in howling woods
and by the shallow sea
glittering in starlight

you might find it as i did
in a fortune cookie or a song
or a flamingo with a broken leg

it asks nothing in return
but offers you adventure
for which you are your own reward