Herring Gull

The bird

that still thinks

it’s a velociraptor.

*

Gull choreography:

Stalk, strut,

strike a pose;

thrust out neck,

snap wide zealous beak

– tongue rearing like an irate snake –

scream victory at the world.

*

With its

jerky motions,

vitric eyes and

swazzle screech;

its red-stained

hook of a nose –

avian cousin

to Mr Punch.

*

Hobbies include:

scavenging,

squabbling,

jeering,

thievery.

 *

City-slicking atavist –

how at home you are

in this domain

of men!