Fly or Stay

Your tiercel has a broken wing, little formel

it’s up to you to help nurse it back to health

however, be warned, little formel

just because your tiercel’s wing is healed

doesn’t mean that he will join you in the sky

if that is to be, little formel

know that the day is approaching rapidly

to consider leaving your sweet tiercel grounded

or to reach for higher and touch waves of wind

***

If you stay little formel

even if it is for the love of your tiercel

know that your eyes will continuously torture him

with images of velvety clouds and blue heavens

the past joy found in endless hours flying together

all the domains and oceans you desire to soar above

your tiercel will be grateful you stayed

but that is as far his happiness will go

is it really love if you remain?

***

Indeed, you are meant for more little formel

than to stay tethered to your grounded tiercel

even if it is for love

in time you could grow to despise your tiercel for being broken

for making you love him

for waking up a desire to fix him

for giving up your journey to places unknown

then you might abandon your tiercel anyways

and leave him more damaged than before

***

Whatever you decide little formel

it would be wise to do so quickly

before you stay too long

that you lose your own ability to fly

or impair you and your loved tiercel

to a point that the sky will no longer welcome you both

sometimes, little formel, to truly alleviate and love

you may have to leave your beloved tiercel

and allow him to finish healing alone

***

Fun Facts: Formels are female hawks (a word rarely used today), while tiercels are male hawks. Hawks are known to be monogamous as long as life and circumstances allow.

I once read a story (I don't remember the name) about a man who was broken by life who fell in love with a woman who was a doctor. Because she loved him, she stayed until she was given an incredible opportunity. Tempted to stay because of her love for him and a desire to help fix him, she contemplated denying herself the opportunity. A friend helped her realize she could be causing more harm with staying, especially if he became overcome by guilt and she became angry at him. In time, he found out and told her to go, explaining he was still healing and did not want to be the reason she didn't accomplish great things. It was this story and learning a little bit about hawks that inspired this poem.

I hope you enjoy!