I was pushing the laden trolley
when I saw him - flying low
with long outstretched wings
and something blue
like a parachute
trailing behind.
A white ibis!
He dropped out of the air
close to me
and staggered
drunkenly
into the Safeway loading bay.
I crawled after him on hands and knees.
He was utterly helpless
helpless and ridiculous
wearing that silly plastic bag
like a necklace.
A moment of hesitation
- as I perused the long curved bill -
then I lunged quickly
and held the bird tight
(Mum used to keep chooks)
His trembling body felt warm
and fragile beneath my hands
and his beak wasn't sharp at all -
but rubbery when he pecked me.
It didn't hurt a bit.
I removed the bag
and the bird flew away
leaving me strangely elated.
Alison Cassidy
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/white-ibis-with-plastic-bag/
