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The Birdman of Gdańsk

Leo Yankevich


The Birdman of Gdańsk

When cathedral bells toll through the morning
and sunlight touches steeples with its glare
and arrows on the town hall clock stop turning,
you will find him on the market square,
sweeping leaves in shadows of despair.
And in that instant you will cease your yearning.
Hunchbacked, with a chuckle he will share
the secrets of his heart, and give a warning
to city doves assembling at his feet,
to sparrows quarrelling on Neptune’s head.
He’ll lower his tobacco chin to meet
their eyes and whisper what Saint Francis said
He’ll toss crumbs with his withered sailor’s hand.
And when he looks up, you will understand.


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The Sarmatian Review
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Last updated 2/22/10