THE LONGBOAT AND THE EGRET

A low promontory of ragged rock divides

the narrow bay into two inlets.

In one, this early evening, at ebb tide

a little egret begins to wade and hunt.

In the other a dark blue longboat is launched

for the crew’s daily training session –

a unisex motley of mature persons.

The coxswain steers beyond the ancient rocks,

while the rowers pull for the horizon.

The blades of the oars are painted white.

The little egret steps, steps, and pierces.

A small flock of curlews flies overhead,

settles out of sight at the water’s edge

among the sounds of terns and oyster catchers.

The light begins to change, the sea darken.

There is still the white of the egret, and the oars

briefly raised, glistening.