A sentry posted at the ends of the earth
Watches the ocean on a serene day
On a railing, the seagulls perch
Facing inland or seaward
He does not know if they have a preference
But from his tower, he spreads his arms;
They are wide enough to embrace both.
Two eyes watch upon the branch
And small talons cling as a wind sways the tree
A black-bearded specimen of avian fauna
Wonders as I pace in spiraling circles
Spitting freshly chewed grass:
An indecipherable human mating dance
The wings of youth believe that they might fly forever
But time washes away the shore
And stirs the longing for a companion
And stirs the longing for home and nest
There is joy too, to roost upon the branch
And see the sunset sink to night, instead of chasing it
RED GLADIOLA 