HOOKS

	

	
If there is pain, look for the hooks.
If forward steps -and rising wing beats -emit a ripping sound,
	Go back along the lines -follow them to their ends,
		and look for terrible devices -buried in your flesh.
	Tear out the hooks.

There will be pain, there will be -tearing of flesh.
	Pull them out, Throw them on the fire.
	Do not leave -hungry hooks -in the hands of the trapped souls,
		to distract them with power.
	Cut the hooks from the lines and burn them.
		Make this place safe for the children.

Ride the curling smoke up through the sky.
	And when you break through,
		do not leave the shards scattered,
		do not leave the place of emergence gaping.
	Give your new feathers time to dry,
		Use those moments -and the shards,
			create something beautiful,
			and put it at the crossroads -as a warning.

Leave a beautiful sign -of your struggle -and then fly!

				-Hue Walker, 1995