Dancing with Fury

Dancing with Fury

Feathered friends twirl in frothy foam,
Lifting their legs to the beat of the wave.
Struggling to halt a turbulent sea
From ruining delicate slippers.

They peck and probe with frenetic haste
Feasting on insects, crabs, treats.
Impulsive surf delivering,
snatching away a gourmet buffet.

Darkness descends deliberately
Wind shouts, “Wake up water!”
In fright startled waves awaken,
Flipping savage locks at the shore.

Tiny snails tremble, hidden in the sand
Escaping the rumble and clawing wet paws.
Sandy pipers scatter in panicked harmony,
the Roaring Lion breaking up the band.

Talons slashing the powerless beach,
Carving the sand into ribbon-like morsels,
Gulping and swallowing in utter delight
Until satisfying a voracious appetite.

the Beast shakes seaweed from a crusty mane.
Leisurely licking his salty paws,
Slinks back into the watery cage,
For a peaceful nap and another day.

Silence saturates the untidy shore.
Emerging creatures from mist and rock
Join merry winged revelers
On the salty, sandy floor.

by Valerie Bartosh