Mariner 
by Jane Gragg Lewis

 

Atop a barnacled piling,

balanced on leathery charcoal boots.

Soulful eyes under

saffron-dusted cap.

Suited up in rusty-edged feathers

of muted metal, cocoa.

 

Rising in flight,

a prehistoric grace.

Arched wings, perfect formation.

 

4-Ship skimming crowns of waves,

navigating coastal airways.

Squadron of opportunists

 pursuing fishing boats

in and out of harbors.

 

Buoyant Flotilla,

bobbing serenely over swells

waiting with the calm of a holy being.

 

Clever magician

with wings artfully folded

sleight of swooping nosedive

surprised fish in creamy pouch,

pendulous beneath dark, rosy-tinged sword

 

Sage of the abundant blue

Bard of the pier

Lyricist of the wind

 

My soulful seafarer