The Dove at the Corner

I had a dream last night.
I walked alone, without Sproet.

It felt wrong,
like the world was coming apart at its seams.

At the corner, I saw a dove.
Its wings were torn off,

Someone tore its wing off,
It was just there,
helpless with its wings on the ground

My heart sank.
I wanted to help,
but didn’t know how.

I turned away.
Then back.
An absence ached in my chest.

I wanted to call S for help
she always knew.
But we are apart now.

The dove inched toward me, pleading.
I stood frozen.
Helpless.