Estuary

Out of the fir trees
river rustle unfolds
to silken slip-stream.

Thrush scurries through scrub,
golden beak stuffed with straw
spotted breast puffed out.

Collie snuffles the shore,
paws wet from the high tide,
disturbs a plover.

Waxwings bunch on twigs,
crests raised, berry picking,
gone in a heart beat.

(c) Elspeth Brown