We eyed each other
On the sunlit beach.
I admired his suit of bluish shade.
Made by the best of tailors
Naturally, Nature-made.
His spindly legs
Moved firm and sure.
As his razor-sharp beak
Searched for crabs in the weeds
Growing close to the shore.
He stretched his wings
As he scanned the bay.
Opened his beak and yawned
Unfolded his wings to the easterly breeze,
Even, as I begged him stay.
But he took to his wing
And joined his mate.
Calling a farewell cry;
The sunset rays pictured them both,
Silhouetted against the sky.
Oodgeroo Noonuccal (1920 – 1993) was an Aboriginal Australian political activist, poet and educator. This poem was originally published under the name Kath Walker.
