Murmurations

Poetry in aerial motion,
a system poised to tip
and turn in unison,
each member connected
by choice to every other one,
as perceived by one’s
seven nearest neighbors,
seven by seven throughout,
individuals globally correlated,
without a particular leader,
to communicate clearly
and with economy
—at stake, flock survival,
the common good.

This dance above the water,
under the warmth of the sun,
surely offers the clearest portrait
of what democracy looks like.

© 2019 by Elisabeth T. Eliassen

(completed 11:11 on 11/11/19; photo of flocking water birds taken at Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary, Alameda, CA on 11/10/19)

On What Morning Depends

Moon yawns,
her reflection stretching
over the ocean surfaces;
soon, Night Watch
will be over.

The tides race
to meet the morning mail:
Light upon the water,
shimmering sands
along the shore,
birds thronging and
clamoring for breakfast.

If Rosy steps the morn,
she has small white feet
that can walk on water,
and her dazzling smile
blinds one to all else.

© 2015 by Elisabeth T. Eliassen