I held it quivering
in my hand.
Its tiny thumb -
cold curving strand -
within my palm.
Then gently stretched
a fragile wing,
marvelling
at this silken thing
with velvet breast.

Enormous eyes
were opened wide
to gaze appalled
from side to side
upon my vagrant hand.
I bore it from the light of day
to rustling woodland dark,
beneath a cape of healing green,
and gently left it,
with a kiss -
to ease its frightened heart.