White Peacock 
Sebastian Bitticks

Useless legends abound. His skin
bends light. His flesh holds no blemish.
He arrives alone or in the company
of a great bird. He dies the very instant
he’s captured, and silently. Just looking
at a white peacock, just seeing him once,
will bring a person eternal happiness. They
say “look”, but the mind races to ownership.

He cannot recognize herself in a mirror,
so if it’s true, it’s true for everyone but him.
Would he know eternal happiness if he saw it?
His hundred eyes are white. The rods that cut
light’s rainbow came out inwardly bent, meaning
blind. We do not see his lameness, only beauty.
The peacock, sighted, bluffs with crooked fan.

In ancient days, a white peacock meant
the spirits had taken notice. They sent
a snowy heart and we seized it. Today
anything can be purchased. Some people craft
peacock-themed wind chimes and weathervanes.
Some people carry hand fans with a peacock
on its face during nights out. Some people get a tattoo.

The white peacock doesn’t notice. Inwardly bent,
he bluffs and dusts our irises with colors he
never had. Passing his reflection, he pecks
at the eyes of his image, believing himself a rival.

About the Artist