Pelicans on the Reynolds River

The rich blue sky is duplicated in the placid water,
And the peeling papery tree trunks blur there too.

This luminous surface ripples in the breeze
As three pelicans make their long, low glide
With heads outstretched and feet tucked up.

Inches from the surface, their feet unfold
And spread with toes stretched wide, to make skis
That leave tracks across the shimmering surface.

These ungainly flying fortresses fold their wings
And settle into the water like the First Fleet,
Gliding gracefully in the warm liquid.

Once again, the placid water gives back the blue sky
And the peeling mystery of the paperbark forest.

I phtotgraphed the paperbarks in the light of the low sun at sunset.