Formation
Katabatic winds scarce ruffle
the Emperor's resolute feathers.
An Antarctic winter shuffle
bands brooding fathers together.
Enfolded eggs, warmed by sanguine hearts
are balanced on icy clawed feet.
Penguins on the outer are ramparts
for the huddle's collective heat.
Waves ripple through close knit ranks.
Shrill rasping vibrato calls
rally the circulating flanks;
windward edge to lee, stoic walls.
Blizzards strafe lines weakened by fast.
Such unstinting paternal care
and dogged duty may be classed
a basic urge, but is this fair?
Effort requires monumental will.
Emperors who lack such are riven.
Labelled as love or instinct, still
either way, Life is hard driven.
SPRING (haiku)
The fathers retreat
to the ocean's rich larder.
Leopard seals await.
ANTARCTICA (dectina refrain)
A ught
N ature
T ends, some brave
A nimal fends.
R ealm of Emperors
C rowned by green laurels of
T he Aurora Australis.
I ce continent cannot suspend
C hallengers amended to transcend.
A ught nature tends, some brave animal fends.
poem by Diane Hine
Added by Poetry Lover
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