Air
Show
(Luc-sur-mer, Normandy)
No sun to
attract
a cheerful summer crowd,
only gray, flat sea
to the horizon shore
where clouds spew
in foamy lines
into the leaden sky.
Yet throngs
appear
in festive anticipation
of aerial acrobatics
of vintage war planes,
painted gaily like clowns,
laughing at death
in climbs and dives
and twirling pirouettes.
With cameras,
beer,
and crispy waffles piled high
with fluffy cream and chocolate,
bundled against a sharp sea breeze,
a surprising mob of beachgoers
for such a dreary day.
An entr'acte
of gulls stirred
by so many watchful eyes,
lift from dumb idleness
in soaring loops
and coasting summersaults,
delighting and amazing,
with a playful show
of bird superiority.
©
2000 Richard Sidy
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