Paler Shade
by Myra King


I don’t want to walk as far as the pelican
you say
I lift my eyes
from our rough path
view the sea misting up the hills
turning their fading green a paler shade

the ocean’s pond blue
holds still
wind less than a baby’s puff
and we don’t climb the hill into suburbia
too many people
on our way home

a rider
carried on
fast wheels
racing his bike
wet sea spray from its white walled tyres
passes too close
you pull me
to your side

the pelican rises
in the distance
comes to us
and settles on a rock
his wings stretching the possibilities






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