I wrote two poems for a natural world art installation at the University of Exeter Streatham campus. One of which, The Bonaparte's Gull, was accepted and will be used and I'm glad-very glad. I set a goal to write more poetry and get published in one way or another for 2013 and this is the same as being published to me. At any rate, the format of the poem needed to fit on a luggage tag and they will all hang on an installation called the Wall of Miracles.
The Bonaparte's Gull
Miniature airplanes stream upriver-
The currents their propellers
A blue and green runway
The Niagara.
On a slender wing-surgical
Bank left, the tight flock
outmaneuvers
A lethal Peregrine.
A chorus of yips, laughs and screams
Stabbing at the water, fighting for
A feast.
Spring, and then you're gone
Northern climes your home.
The river, with Peregrine
Await your return.
______________________________
Dear Mr. Saw-whet,
I am sorry.
Our behavior uncalled for
Like vultures to a carcass
Peaking beneath boughs and branches
Unruly thickets and well worn paths
Combing the conifers-
We know you're in there.
You understand it's your beauty
And majesty we're after?
Not your kingdom.
You can have all of this!
But we need you to face the crowd
And take a bow
No?
Perhaps a mouse in exchange
for a photo?
__________________________________
Thanks for reading! Brian Morse
