Down to the lakeshore we went to see

If this snow colored gull could now fly free.

He walked down the beach with an ungainly stride

To bathe in the foam of the cold water's tide.

Then feathers aflutter he tested the long useless wing

Bouncing up and then down as if on a string.

Now a short distance just off the ground

Like a toy kitty hawk improperly wound.

Breathless we watched his ascent as white feathers fluttered

In answer to the prayers our hearts had just uttered.

Now he is soaring; just look at him fly

Wings like a boomerang slicing the sky.

The day was a cold and blustery blue

The wind cut like a knife,

BUT STILL HE FLEW!

Iris Cappleman, 1995