Those Who Live in Grass Houses

Frigate Bird

Frigate Bird

An unlikely hero, the frigate bird
with bright crimson wattle
and extended beak
like an overgrown dodo on a diet
its eye staring in confusion
perhaps at its alternate name
of booby

yet when it flies there’s belief
in those angled wings
and perfect balance
playing with the wind to soar
and hover
a creature in its element
and repute

fastest in a dive indeed
a wing-tucked arrow
in vertical plummet
from the height to the rolling sea
and the flash of silver
neath the wave
a fishy dinner guaranteed

Such speed is never denied.


Line count: 22
Free verse
For Cards Against Authors, Week Six Prompt
Prompt Card: You pick your own topic this week
Word Card: Plummet
Wild Card: Constraint - Use the prompt to create a new myth.