The Pelican and the Tide
A pelican on a desolate isle
Flailed before a dune.
The tide would be upon him —
Right on time and much too soon.
He ripped his wings against the air
Beyond their natural span.
As if they would soon tear away
From his body to the sand.
He leapt and shook as if a fire
Engulfed him to his bone,
Telling all who listened,
He would not depart alone!
I walked the beach without a care
My loved ones did it too.
Until the anguish of the bird
Upset my tranquil mood.
What could cause such horror
For a bird and such dismay?
The sun was high and clear the sky
But the Pelican did not stray.
His silhouette disturbed me
More and more with every step.
The shadow of a tortured soul
Alive and cursing death.
The great bird fought for nothing —
And everything at once.
He would die…
