searched between rocks & examined
slimy shadows gliding like river u boats
wiggling back and forth, revealing
oxygen red gills while riding currents
like scaly surfers submerged in icy water;
ever on the wire, sitting upon the same spot
we saluted evolution’s therapod watchman
we christened Joe Cocker; cyan/blue feathers
radiated brilliant tie-dye plumage
like the Woodstock revolutionary, as it
wailed & glared at swimmers, kayakers
& duck hunters who blocked its view--
people perplexed yet indifferent to its strident
rattle, ruffled head crest, accusing beak.