Fairy Penguin Parade

(A night on Phillip Island, Australia)

In complete silence
they march in a file onto the stage
like well-rehearsed kindergarteners
their white-breasted costumes
glitter joyously
under the dim light

Since no flash is allowed
it is hard to tell
from which backstage they emerge –
the boundless ocean
or the dark night

In wobbling steps
without any gesture
or dialogue
they shake water off their bodies
and fill the eyes of the audience
with tears

– William Marr