ODE Poem: To Mary Oliver’s Mockingbird, by Jacob Connally

Tell me about yourself, mockingbird
Your grand mimicry is all I’ve heard
I want to know your truth of being
No more lies, told with eyes gleaming

I’ll admit, your command is impressive
Though, in masking truth, it feels repressive
Why not puff your chest, fiercely caw like a raven?
Tell me, bird, are you truly so craven?

I don’t pity you, not truly
I fear the parts of you in which I see
A mirror held in my direction
Hidden away, afraid of affection.

Tell me now, mockingbird
Tell me, have you heard?
The voice in your heart can speak loud
Let it free like sunlight through a cloud.

Author: poetryfest

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