buttons and bottle caps, feathers, and spoons
drinking straws laid in a carpet of blue
plastic and tape
ribbon and crepe
gathered like bowerbirds do
twigs all arranged like a crown in the earth
stretching and spreading for all that they’re worth
pointed and neat
circles complete
bowers for bowerbird feet
if I could make
a nest of words
then we could be
like bowerbirds
it’s late, my love
come close the door
we’re safe enough
like bowerbirds
if I could fly, I would know what to do:
pick out the thing that’s the shiniest blue
knowing the glean
of ultramarine
would make this a good home for you
now I’m not sure about so many things
that I’d be sure of if I had the wings
how to be fine
how to freeze time
how to find hope with a string
but I can make
a nest of words
and we can be
like bowerbirds
it’s late, my love
we've locked the door
we’re safe enough
like bowerbirds
credits
from The Shiniest Blue,
released August 2, 2020
Melissa Kagen: lyrics, melody, lead vocals
Kurt James Werner: fretless bass, acoustic guitar, additional electric guitar, lap steel guitar, whistling, drum & keyboard programming, production, &c.
Mayank: electric guitar
Giulia Cacciavillani: flutes
Sashko Temelkoski: clarinet & bass clarinet
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