Adown the Tigris

Sarah Metcalfe / Woodford County

A joyous dawn broke the chains that encapsulated me

My wings had been set free;

Allowed to breathe and swell,

Flow with the wind

I stood and observed the world before me

The blue sky mirrored on the water surrounding

I dug my toes into the sand, savoring the touch

No obstacles in my way, save for the cresting mountains

I was not built for the world

The world was built for me

It smiled knowingly at me

The sun on the horizon caressed my face in a gentle haze

I breathed deeply and began to shout, to yawp

“No man, no king, no god

Shall ever stand in my way

For adown the Tigris I was borne again.”