Summers end at Mannum
The wide river flows, green surface rippled
by slow-cleaving prow.
White splashes on blue-black tails catch the eye.
Bewitching, exuberant Welcome Swallows dip,
skim and bank, chasing each other, catching
small prey on the wing.
Following our meandering journey, they circle
like tiny, feathered dolphin, sleek breasts
and brows glowing flashes of orange.
Briefly they alight in small clouds on the deck,
entrancing all who watch.
We write of what we see, to remember.
Far overhead whistling kites languidly bank, issue
faint piercing cries, await their turn to
come close, compete with black kites,
claws skimming the surface, elegantly
scooping bounty provided.
We spontaneously applaud their skill and beauty.
Along the banks, tall reeds sway,
green fronds reaching high above
biscuit-dry stalks, marking summer’s end.
Originally published at http://imagininginwords.wordpress.com on June 7, 2021.
