CLAMS, GULLS, DELIVERANCE

It came to me

In the middle of the night,

I would save them.

At morning light

I’d run along the water’s edge

Frightening the gulls away.

Each time they’d land,

I’d charge at them again.

They’d shriek about

The injustice of it, but

I’d be deaf to their grievance.

The clams and crabs

Washed up on the beach this morning

Will not become bird breakfast.

They’ll live one more day

Because of me.

If I save hundreds of them,

It’d be like giving one of them

Another year to live.

The plan was perfect,

Magnificent even.

My soul was smiling

As I waited for dawn.

Lying awake for hours

At 5 a.m. my eyes closed.

I was drowning in daylight

As I awoke.  I’d be too late

To save them.

My dream soured,

My soul no longer smiling,

I hope they forgive me.