Gulls soar above Atlantic seas --
with grace and ease
they swoop then rise
into the skies.
But puffins, shaped like cargo ships,
can't come to grips
with fluid flight
though try they might.
Like hummingbirds, but overweight,
their wings vibrate
with frantic beat,
a crash to cheat.
When landing they will often clunk,
like flying drunks --
the hard way down,
these ocean clowns.
With orange feet, bright motley beaks,
and form not sleek,
they live their lives
in comic guise.
Some creatures God gave lissome grace,
a fine-wrought face --
but auks He styled,
then slyly smiled.
|
Author Notes
The Atlantic puffin, a type of auk, live in large colonies along the northern coastline and on offshore rocky islands.
Because they are so darned cute, they have become beloved figures in popular culture in areas where they live, like Iceland and Newfoundland and Maine. Unfortunately, their numbers are gravely declining because the type of small fish they eat (sandeels) are falling victim to global warming. Decades ago I went on a whale watching tour in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, that included a stop near an island of puffins - it was one of the most endearing and memorable sights I've ever seen.
How sad it would be if someday they only survive as toys and brightly colored paintings. There is a marvelous video on youtube called Puffins and global warming if you would like to see more puffin images and read about this ecological crisis.
|
|
