LAKE WITH PELICAN

LAKE WITH PELICAN

The low sun and a light cool breeze
have spun a shining spell of shifting,
brief sparks on wavelets of the waters.
Two ducks sail in the dusk lagoon.

Between the long and ripple-edged
green islands of the rustling reeds
a pelican glides peacefully
with a curious, gaunt dignity.

With cautious, crane-like walk a black-beaked spoonbill
sifts shimmering shore shallows for small fish.
Nearby a darting dragonfly
beats four frail wings: a flash of iridescence.

The stately pelican would sail
so sedately through the calmness
were I not watching. Had I not watched
I would not give it praise in words.