damp smell
a hum in the air
arrives from all directions
as reeds warble
we walk apart
along a gravel path
our footsteps breaking
into the swamp
among cumbungi
glimpses of water
families in feathers
the bird hide a misnomer
when ascended we are seen
a stage for a splashing applause
pelicans remain unmoved
unwilling to leave the sparse roosts
their heavy beaks return
to rest on folded wings
a humming intensifies
on a breeze cool with night
as dawn approaches
behind the Brobenah Hills
our hands touch
while passing binoculars
distances are overcome
glowing spoonbills stride the outskirts
swans effortless
sunrise passes
we return to our lives
