I Am Gannet

Photo: Seabirds /VisitScotland

I Am Gannet

I am gannet, seabird,

soaring with my gray,

white and yellow-feathered body

off the volcanic shore of Iona.

The sparkling waters

in Martyrs Bay

tempt and tease me

as they race over

their bounty 

hidden deep below the surface.

I climb skyward high

over the bouncing waves

as they strive for shore.

Now. Turn. Spiral.

Beak first, speeding straight down

wings sleek along my body,

needle-like.

Capture one shiny silver fish.

Burst up through the waves.

Slowly and steadily I balance

on top of the water. One gulp.

Fish gone, sustenance begins.

As I’m being nourished

rich nutrients coursing through me,

my mind clears, my eyesight sharpens

I open my beak to call out gratitude.

Rebekah for The Poplar Grove Muse