Dawn Watch

At four came the first reports. A wave seeping over the seaward horizon And climbing over wooded hills. Seagulls huddled on low roofs of port buildings Complained brokenly like barnyard fowl Of the rising tide of chilly light. In a few hours with morning At full flood this fretful flock, Night's terrors shaken off, Will part the dazzling air With harsh, imperious cries, Launched in earth-disdaining flight.