EAGLE KING UPON A POLE

EAGLE KING UPON A POLE

Eagle sits atop a pole
in Mud Bay standing watch
on glistening water, dancing lights
mid morning of a late July day.

A breeze on grasses swaying as I watch
a catamaran gently cruising to the open water,
Canadian flag proudly flying.

Still eagle sits as sailors pass
and then lifts off, too close for comfort he thinks,
flying, turning to the sea with effortless ease.
Now both boat and bird are gone.

Wistfully my gaze returns to blue water, tide receding

I sit where water will slap sand later.
Three herons cross into the breeze.
Then surprised I find the eagle has returned,
landing on what must be a favourite spot, the pole,
from which to survey this kingdom,
and pretend that he is king.


By Ron Unruh, July 29, 2014

Composed as I sat at Crescent Beach along the Blackie Spit overlooking Mud Bay, where the shore birds feed on rich fare, the distant train trestle over which the Amtrak rides, and the Marina from which pleasure craft and fishing boats come and go.

ONE RECENT ORDINARY DAY

ONE RECENT ORDINARY DAY

No one here but us at Mud Bay today. 

With tide water out, at water’s edge
scavenging birds leave opened shells
to dry under cloudless sky with snow tipped peaks
in the distance, a train’s approach and ducks lift silently
and turn away.

From White Rock comes the Amtrak,
horn echoing in the hills through Crescent Beach,
across the bridge, around the bay, passengers’ faces
savouring delights of sparkling waters and sun bleached logs.

We sit as butterflies flit to find
flowers, blossoms, anything sweet.
Printed pages blur as sleep takes over
and no one cares. No clock to punch,
no projects to complete.
I’m done, retired six years ago,
free as these birds and bees.
Next time I’ll come with paints and take home
plein air treasures, perhaps to sell or give to friends.