Paper Birds
By Claudia Wysocky
I was a bird once, made of paper and thin air
flying over the arid landscape of my soul.
My wings were strong, but brittle
and I knew that I could fall at any moment.
The sky above me was a deep blue,
as if the world had chosen to color itself in reverence
for my freedom. The sun warmed my feathers,
but I knew that it was only temporary.
Soon, the sun would set and the cold night would come,
bringing with it an unrelenting chill that would test my resolve.
But still I flew, soaring high above the lonesome earth
where there are no trees to call home,
where there is only dry grass and cracked dirt.
With each beat of my wings, I felt myself grow stronger,
more resilient. I was not meant for this world,
bound by gravity and time. No, I was meant for something greater.
Something beyond the confines of this fragile existence.
And so I flew on, chasing after dreams that only birds can dream.
Drunk on the wind and dizzy with possibility,
I forgot about everything else –
the weight of responsibility, the burden of reality.
For a brief moment in time, I was free from all constraints
and nothing could bring me down.
But as all creatures do,
I eventually tired and began to descend
back to the unforgiving earth below.
As my wings gave out and I fell towards oblivion,
I couldn’t help but wonder –
was it worth it?
To be a paper bird flying high in an endless sky?
Yes. Yes, it was.
Claudia Wysocky is a 16-year-old Polish poet based in New York, celebrated for her evocative creations that capture life's essence through emotional depth and rich imagery. With over five years of experience in fiction writing, her poetry has appeared in various local newspapers and literary magazines. Wysocky believes in the transformative power of art and views writing as a vital force that inspires her daily. Her works blend personal reflections with universal themes, making them relatable to a broad audience. Actively engaging with her community on social media, she fosters a shared passion for poetry and creative expression.
