Sandpipers

Motionless as decoys they float
above their twig-like legs
that run here and there
searching the wet sand.

The sudden dip of the decoy
as if by clockwork mechanism
down and up again floating
above the pumping slender stems.

More wind-up toy than real
they scurry across
the temporary beach.

Labeled by color, size,
by each peculiar line,
they run on, run
while the water creeps back
to claim the beach.


Lari Smith