THE BALLAD OF THE LAUGHING SEAGULL

I was walking down the beach

enjoying the sun and sand,

with a delicious ice-cream

dripping down my left hand.

With the wind in my hair

and the waves at my feet,

I was so full of joy

and enjoying my treat.

Then swooping by 

with such gentle grace

was a sight that put

such a smile on my face.  

A seagull so huge 

and purest white

it was such a glorious 

and wonderful sight.

With wings outstretched 

and ever so wide

on the coastal winds 

he did silently glide.

Then back up he flew 

to his friends upon high,

circling and squawking 

in the cloudless sky.

Laughing at the people 

beneath, on the ground

and watching for scraps 

of food lying around.

But if that didn’t work

they had a sneaky plan,

they flew down and took it 

right out of your hand!

Then off they off they flew

all laughing with glee,

with a tasty ice-cream 

that was meant for me!

They’ll pinch the chips 

from out of your tray

then come back for more 

as you hide them away.

Then perched high up 

at the top of a light

they laugh and jeer 

at your hungry plight

Patiently waiting 

for the next poor soul

to walk beneath them 

on their perch, up the pole.

Down they will fly,

laughing all the way,

to pinch your donut

before you could say,

“Hey, I wanted that, 

you cheeky old bird!”

but cackling laughter

is all that is heard.

So next time your down

by the sandy seaside,

look out for the seagulls

as above you they glide.

For if you’re not careful

and have chips unwrapped,

they’ll fly down and pinch them

with a laugh and a flap.

*

Written by Darren Scanlon, 8th September 2015.

? 2015 Darren Scanlon. All rights reserved.

Taken from "The Book Of Loops And Laughter" available on Amazon kindle and paperback.