Sea gulls line up for take-off,
face the wind, feel it run over their feathers,
calculate the right moment to life.
There’s an order here.
Liftoff progresses from front to back
as laggards groom their chest feathers
or peck at a pest underwing.
The next in line lifts a leg,
tests the velocity, then,
leery of its force,
sneaks to the back of the pack.
The last four preen and peck
in companionable silence
beneath brilliant sun and booming surf.
There’s no rush to join the bustle of life.
This poem has nothing to do with mythology, but I’m posting it anyway to Totally Optional Prompts.
why is it i have seen way more gulls in any given wal mart parking lot than i have ever seen on the beach????
sorry i just had to get that off my chest….
Comment by paisley — April 10, 2008 @ 5:54 pm
I have known so many gull moments! Great metaphor!
Comment by Linda Jacobs — April 10, 2008 @ 9:02 pm
u must have been watching the BBC series “The SECRET Life of Birds”
Comment by igbert — April 10, 2008 @ 9:26 pm
The images are superb - love the way you’ve described the pre-flight activity of ocean birds.
Comment by Tumblewords — April 10, 2008 @ 10:34 pm
Beautiful description and yes I’ve seem them do that, just exactly that on a few occasions
Comment by Crafty Green Poet — April 11, 2008 @ 1:45 am
A lively poem, as if you had a real insider’s view of gull life.
Comment by christine — April 11, 2008 @ 8:55 pm
I could see them doing it! Love it.
slithering snakes
Comment by gautami tripathy — April 12, 2008 @ 2:57 am
I especially like the line, “Liftoff progresses….” I was just at the beach and your poem really does remind me of those birds!
Comment by mary — April 12, 2008 @ 9:53 pm
I especially like the line, “Liftoff progresses….” I was just at the beach and your poem really does remind me of those birds!
Comment by mary — April 12, 2008 @ 9:55 pm