
August 28, 2024
Wataridori, Migrating Bird
(now)
your voice
my voice
are we listening
how do we hear
does the mind speak
or the body or the soul
does the wind have an ear
have you heard me call you
I am asking for help in the way I know how
(and now)
which is it
the last song of the night
or the first of a new morning
I could not hear
have you brought wind or mind or help
did you grow tired of singing
are you listening to your own voice
are you able to hear me
(and now)
the melody is ever-changing
does my voice need to hear yours
to know how to speak
your ear is in my mouth
I am listening to your listening
I have stopped my heart to listen
your voice in my throat
brings the faraway near
POEM BY
Qayyum Johnson

ARTWORK BY SUIKO MCCALL
The Melody is Ever-Changing, 2023. Ink on Yupo, 26 x20".
Original in a private collection.
Prints available at suiko.art