Cannon Beach

Ocean in sight,
Pen in hand.
Struggling with how to capture the water's grandeur
in word.

When 19 gulls swarm to greet me.
At first I am honored
to receive such attention.
Then I see the fruit in my bag.
They eke closer and closer
and my laughter turns to unease.
Not from fear, but audacity.

Like they sensed my discomfort
They all flew away.
Save one.
As if to tell me that beauty still exists.
That it is worth holding out for greatness.

I threw him a mango piece in gratitude.

Brother birds slowly return.
With silky soft wings.
But I continue to stare at the one

Who stayed.