Trapped

I was trapped in mist-nets set by birders

Applying bands to unsuspecting targets,

Soft spheres of fluff and feathers,

My beak opened wide, terror in my eyes.

I was entombed in amber

Bright yellow crystal catching the light

To reveal my delicate wings and legs

Crushed, deformed by heat and pressure.

I was ensnared by jellyfish tentacles,

Streaming glossy ribbons in the sea.

Burning, stinging skin singed and raw 

Screaming for liberation. 

I was imprisoned by quicksand

Pale and bland, glistening wet, like silk on skin,

Beckoning me to take another step

Down and deeper it sucked my legs and lungs.

I was gored by the bull in the matador’s ring.

Neck muscles rippling under curly, wooly hair,

Powerful horns stabbed and pierced my soul

Dark red with warm blood.

I was snapped in the jaws of a vicious trap,

A shiny steel jewel in a meadow of purple flowers

Where I hunted mice.

In excruciating pain, I gnawed off my foot to freedom.

I was ambushed by a spider

Orb web shimmering in the sun

Poison fangs pierced, venom flowed

Nerves and organs died.

I was stalked by a tiger

Dark and golden fur on soft paws

Melting into grasses of camouflage.

A mouth of saber teeth tore apart my skull.

I was ghosted by him

The pretty words, the mesmerizing promises

Came as presents to my heart 

Now beating with a new hollow sound.

I was fooled by the musical blue eyes

Brimming with emotion

And warm hugs, seeming to be true.

But then, too busy, he shredded the very fabric of my core.