The Albatross

Life maker,
life taker,
towering phoenix on high,
magically over the oceans you cross
with powers no one can deny.

Alone at the bow
I stood there in awe-
bound by your imposing form,
rapt in uncertainty
as to what I saw
and feelings equally torn.

Dreaded serpent from Hades
whom ancient mariners did flee?
Or, Protector of the Seas
and beacon to guide me free?

Or, a child's dream, albatross-
imagination's pilot afar.
You deathfully sank
into the flaming sun
and divinely rose
as an evening star.

A heavenly kite in aerial bliss
playfully drawing the sun
as your tail,
when by your pluck
tacked to the wind
to give impetus
to your sail.

Then assumed another form:

The wind became your brush,
the seas and clouds your hues
and painted before my eyes
a rainbow through the skies.

Mage of ethereal being
girded with unflagging wings,
showing me more
than compass,
map or guide
to a universe as free
as the boundless
endless skies.

Immortal being,
artist and creator!

The seasons follow your stay
where the sea is your dominion
and the skies ever
your play.

Copyright 2009 Francis Don Daniels.
All Rights Reserved.