Mornings begin with a raven

and magpie lark shadow boxing

in winged profile –

my study of two forms,
framed in a square of light.

These companions – small,

tousled, analogous to coastal life

on roofs and aerials
counterpoint a bathing ritual:

I pray, proffered hands

sluicing water to wakefulness.

A lace skeleton, the morning
backlit with feathers

and burned coral edges.

No need to personify

the magpie lark as lonely refugee –
more an imprint of shadow

that darts and weaves,

shrieking its dissonance.

In this northern light,
birds bewitch with coded talk

over the dark form houses

tuckeroos printed in relief,

and a red-eyed warbler
chiming last notes. Raven,

magpie lark, windblown foam

and sea spray piled up –

soft collisions in every window.