water birds

The giant's heart softened 

as he remembered the years when 

spring failed to arrive in his garden.  

One of those dark years 

a wounded water-bird 

had returned mid-summer to find

the giant's pond frozen solid. 

The giant had brought the bird into the castle

and cared for it as it recovered

from a wounded wing 

and some injured ribs. 

When summer finally returned

and the water-bird had recovered 

the giant returned  to his garden.

The giant knelt down by the pond and

gently lowered the water-bird back into 

it's natural element and watched it swim away.

on anchor

With the anchor down

in a harbour amongst other vessels

he took the opportunity to go aloft to
see that all was well from

another perspective.

From the cross trees, 

envisioning the anchorage with 

the changing tide 

and possible wind shift, 

the game of chess came to mind.

In payment for his effort the cadmium sun 

did break through through mineral violet

and panes grey just as the rain began.

He was back on deck by the time the squall hit

The anchor rode groaned as vessel swung into 

the new wind direction and

the chaotic dance of difference began.

After a brief eternity 

the neighbouring boats all swung into the wind.