her guardian

huge wings a
feathered rainbow
seven-foot-tall
birdwoman, her
guardian, shadows
her left shoulder
a presence for
fifty years—not
seen but ever felt
companion in need
stalwart and silent
first noticed while
tripping, of course
it was the seventies
birdwoman prevailed
after the mushrooms
were gone—
bedrock of strength
comforting ballast
and friend

2022 ©Amrita Skye Blaine
I’m writing a poem a day. These are drafts—not final versions.