Migration of the Magnificent

by john clare

Once when the Northeastern winds sent off course the South bound
Magnificent Frigate
We enjoyed the time under the remote cypress hammock.
She told of how on calmer currents past she had glanced
upon me below
Continuing onward through the night to the great Southern Archipelago.
She said that had she known of such a hospitable friend
Here is where the migration that night would have ended.
But that was long ago when the winds blew fierce off shore and never since.
The seasons merge and come the first frost of winter
I paddle out to the remote cypress hammock
In hopes perhaps in the night
The Frigatebird recalled our friendly past.
But she never returns and I turn to paddle against the wind so slow.
Somewhere in a harsher clime I pray
My migrating friend finds her Southern Archipelago.