Water birds

Their legs are like quarter notes

singing through the reeds.

They blow French horns

amateurishly, as they feed.

Two flocks of Canada geese

leave manuscripts of footprints

in the flats along the lee.

The sea, beyond,

Tunes its winds and strings,

which spread the geese's glistenings

as they coast to a crease

in the silvery crinkle -

Like a Debussy prelude -

but brighter and lighter -

they land in the lapping, luxurious sights

of the estuary

Where they plunge

elongated necks -

with rhythmic syncopation -

in the depths.