Cormorant

By Dave Goulder


A ragged flag

on a rock or wreck, anything

that pierces the surf

from below

allowing a hold for flat

flappy feet

to grip. Wet wings in

a watery wind stretch

and dry a little.


Gaze around to take

in the view of others, absorbed
in the same wing spread. A rabble

of damp dragons, preparing
for their ungainly departure

from this perch, then

dive deep and become dark

darts, fast and fierce, gorging

among the shoals.