Face Stolen From a Bird

Poem by Anne-Marie Derése, translated by Judith Skillman.

I don't know who you're hiding
behind your mask,
your face stolen from a bird,
imprisoned by red ashes.
I will love you the way one dies.

I will keep you
for years to come,
you will be so tame,
so unbelievable,
my strange animal,
with your lips opening
on a lost smile.

I'll drink your breath
and I'll know who you are hiding.