I dreamed I held a young owl,
Its soft-feathered face just beside my head,
My hands wrapped around its body
Carefully and tenderly, keeping it safe.
From time to time
The owl bent down its sharp-hooked beak
To touch my fingers,
But never harmed me.
Soon, I knew, I would have to give the owl
Back to the sky;
But for that lingering moment in my dream
The owl and I were at peace.
