Belch Poem by Morgan Michaels

Breathless, in a net, we captured you-
Ring around the yew tree
Tossed you bright-eyed in a gilded cage
And watched to see what would happen next: Surprise!
You thrived and seemed happy enough.

At night you fluffed your feathers
And made yourself egg-big
For insulation-a nice trick:
Warmth to your remotest toes.

The kitchen light suddenly turned on late
you'd be found head wedged
Beneath your wing, asleep for a wee sec,
Till you woke, vigilant as ever.

Singing was not your forte.
Instead, you belched out your one note.
We'd hoped for better, but that was the
Way you registered your will in the world.

That human...