​Blue Jay and a Turtledove

On the shore, where does a story start
Not one of love, but one of necessity
And lost hope. On the shore, where
Does the lead stand, a dance led by
Strangers. Darkness on a white dress
The guilt of slaughter. When the master
Came home he wanted his talents. Dead
Each and buried. Where does a story
Begin. America is an old story. On the shore
Or on a bridge. Oh america of Multitudes
Where do you start. At pilgrim. At slave. At summer
On the shore. The ramparts. Bloody in a field.
America, how unlikely, you pretty bloom
On a wet black bough. Bloody in a field.

---