walking highway one

some roadside stores
change each season
the constant struggle
of the mangroves
with the almighty dollar
even a new church
with an obscure name
advertises that it's
     'coming soon'

patches of thicket along the highway

homeless made to hide
     shade from the sun
     a torn sheet of visqueen for rain
     a place to pee

at little duck key

the water is especially warm
jellyfish flutter close to shore
     a tourist gets stung
great egret
     steps
     like into a ballet dance
     feet mingle long enough
     to make an impression
     then moves on

little duck key epilogue

     a sudden hawk attack on the sandpipers
     seagulls screaming sound the alarm
          everyone gets out alive

--- e b bortz