The Dove by Michael Keshigian

Approaching dusk breaks his heart,

the rising moon represents nothing more

than a source of inactivity,

because, of course, he loves the dawn,

the noisy, cacophonous conversations of birds,

bugs, and bees in buds, forging him forward 

in his khaki shorts and sleeveless attire

to sit in the park with bottled water

and celebrate how good life has been.

But the moment has arrived,

his levels of attainment have climaxed

and his sense of contentment

has been distracted by a dove 

perched on the bench alongside,

a handsome specimen with dark eyes

and snow white down, 

though its tail feathers streaked 

rainbow colors to which he inferred 

that the fowl had flown from paradise

to become his guide through a beautiful death,

navigating dark shadows and pungent fumes 

toward a place where blue walls 

radiate a continuous light 

behind the black sheet stars attempt to obscure,

where he will sit upon a stool of sunshine

and this messenger muse will explain all,

reinforcing the significance of his presence,

how his efforts will influence

rather than evaporate in a toxic doom

the sciences foresee,

that the heavens will not collapse,

that he was not born by chance

to occupy a temporary space

in a cryptic, accidental place.

Michael Keshigian’s published poetry collections include:  Inexplicable, Beyond, Dark Edges, Eagle’s Perch, Wildflowers, Jazz Face, Warm Summer Memories, Silent Poems, Seeking Solace, Dwindling Knight, and Translucent View. He is a 6-time Pushcart Prize and 2-time Best Of The Net nominee. (michaelkeshigian.com)