Wings of Grace

Introductions are appropriate for my tuxedoed friend, the Black Skimmer. Hailing from sandbar, beach, and island this avian wonder flies just above the water to skim the surface with its unique longer bottom mandible for small fish or crustaceans. It is the only species, worldwide, with a shorter top mandible. Equipped with this impressive bright reddish-orange and black bill it feeds on the wing. You can watch a video of Black Skimmer’s in action HERE. The bird’s stout appearance on land belies its poetic elegance in the air.

Black Skimmer at Water's Edge

Some ply ocean deep,

fashioned to pamper

escapees of pressure tight,

in polished mask

for moment’s few

illusions of liberty.

A Cruise Ship Departs for Tropical Islands

While I range free

among feathered folk

of shore and sand-

tickled feet of web and claw,

knowing not the knife

of tongue or spiteful eye.

Shore-wrack Friends

Bent to part water’s skin,

therein to graze on

meat tender sweet,

or sail breezes high

o’er frothed wave leaping

‘neath wings of grace.

Wings of Grace

Then to settle on beach

warm with fellows dear,

secure in fashioned form

and intricate plan

for me and mine, in the

hands of Ancient Time.

Feathered Fellowship