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Poetry: Suffering

by Haley Wilson

The Thorn Bird
(derived from the Australian legend)

There is a legend about a bird
In its life it sings only one song
Its a song more precious then mortality
But this melody doesn't last long

For as this bird sings
It slowly begins to die
Despite the thorn in its breast
It lets out one incomparable cry

More beatiful then the nightengale
And more sweet then the lark
It lifts its voice above its agony
Transfixed on that sharp bark

It carols in the midst of it's anguish
For with it's song it begins to fade
The chance to silence the world in death
Was the pact this creature made

The whole world halts to hear
Even angels smile at its persistance
But this song comes with a price
And it pays with existance

Yet through its suffering it sings
Letting the world hear its voice
Even if this dirge results in death
From its birth, it made its choice

For the best is only purchased
At the price of great pain
And even when we lose
There is something to gain

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