Joe's dovecote
was a narrow spartan shed
___enough for
thirty racing pigeons
cozy on their perches
___retired
captain he needed them
reminders of the wind
freedom of the sky
the wild heart
___driver
of all desire the birds
gave back what he'd lost
bright eyes knew him
___one
was his champion
and I picked her out
a red-eyed pure white
___Brussel
how did you know he said
it's the blood I said
___yours
in mine a family thing
nous I said
the white dove
cooing in my hand