Inky-hearted reed,
you trace a quest 
along a lean road.
You round earth's curves,
chase sunlight.
You bleed 
and words blossom.
Faithful follower, 
once I had a whim 
to reverse our order 
and let you lead
down a hidden path. 

In a clearing I saw
my heart's desire.
He turned and looked 
at me with eyes 
that startled words
into a flock of rising birds.