From only one tanker, or maybe more
Black oil was leaking in the sea galore
It drifted on waves to my dear homeland
Came on to beaches, polluting white sand

And in this black stream lots of birds came too
Clapping their wings, nothing else they could do
The future was death, if nobody cared
By all volunteers, disaster was shared



The vet did first aid and in boxes they went
In cars of people and off they were send
To the cleaning shelters, across the sea
I volunteered too, took some birds with me

A friend came along, we had lots of fun
For across the sea, the search had begun
This shelter was hidden, far in the park
And the path was icy, it was spitting dark

Finally we found where we had to be
A chance for those birds to again be free
They scrubbed their feathers with water and soap
Even with centrifuge they had to cope



Spreaded wings and head high up in a frame
Imagine you, in a carwash, the same!
Warm water, rinsing all oil from their wings
I bet they could imagine nicer things

In groups in front of a warm blowing fan
They make their toilet as good as they can
Some won't survive the stress and were dying
But most of those birds sure will be flying

They've to start eating the fish by themselves
I saw living mice for raptors on shelves
Hedgehogs in boxes, curled up in some straw
On loosing oil, I'm glad there's a law



When we came back on the boat at late night
We had an experience we don't forget light
Barriers wouldn't open to let us through
Back up on the boat, was all we could do

They were pulling the bridge up and down a bit
And after a while all things seemed to fit
The barriers opened and we could get through
But we did safe the birds...at least a few

Like scattered leaves...my words will flow

Titia,

This touches my heart. The pictures say a thousand words. Yours added the compassion and hard work which is needed to save them with your wonderful poem. I enjoyed this piece a great deal. Good for you!!! For helping all you could...

Hugs, Pat

..without surrender, be on good terms with all persons..
        "Desiderata"

Titia~
ALWAYS the busy, busy lady you are~
Ya' just got a heart of pure gold~

*I'm okay ... just taking a moment to play~
My love to Muys ... please~
Tell her I 'know' she is my friend .. and I'll be in touch~

*Huglets* to you dear lady~
~*marge*~

~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
           noles1@totcon.com