Stickleback Inspector

Watching

The Devon stravaigs and rambles

through rising, clinging mists

where reeds and sedges assemble

grey neck glimpsed by keen alert eyes

nearly hidden, but only nearly

statuesque by willows on yonder bank

peeking over long, spear-like, neb

laser vision to the water

set to detect silver flashes

the imperceptible dip before the launch,

extension to a taller creature, water diamonds

sparkling, cascade back, to plenish the rill

Changing Beat

shape shift from parasol to flapping cloak

a professor accentuating a point

casts a black shadow over the ripples

a flap, or two, maybe a glide

long legs trailing in flight

then undercarriage deployed

feet pushed forward, defence-like,

articulated landing gear to the fore

settles by the opposite bank with nary a splosh

the stickleback inspector is changing her beat

stowing her cloak to parasol watch

stoic and Zen and Heron like

Articulated Landing Gear