Finally Free

The hot, desert air slowly decreases, leaving the orange ground cold.

The scent of sweet nectar fills the nose of the black cockatoo.

Life was good but it was not always like this. 

The alarm rings repeatedly with nobody to attend to.

The tap turns on and off as a drunk man stumbles across the room.

The stuffy, hot air has only increased since summer inside the small home.

The scent of cigarette smoke fills the young bird's mouth and lungs.

Life was hard but it wasn’t like this anymore. 

The growing wind forces the trees to whisper an ongoing song.

The eucalyptus leaves sway to a dance only they can hear.

The smooth branch accepts the cockatoo's tired feet.

The scent of oncoming rain surrounds the tree.

Life was clear but it wasn’t always like this.

The banging on the door grows before shouting is heard.

A man in uniform comes in and lifts him out of imprisonment. 

The gnarly branch at the rescue centre holds him.

The scent of other distressed birds around comforts him.

It would take time but life would be good.