A few years ago I started writing poems about the birds I encountered at the beach. In these poems my goal is to describe their behavior without personifying them. In answer to Ann-Christine’s challenge to illustrate a favorite quote or poem with our photography, I am presenting one of my poems; Sanderling Dance.
Racing a swirling tide
Sanderling quickstep at ocean’s edge
needle-nebs peck persistently
devouring small worms and sand-shrimp.
Instinct drives recurring action;
sprint ahead of rushing surf
turn and chase retreating flow
mining sand for sustenance.
Preserving energy
Sanderling gather to rest
stand upright on one leg
beak tucked under wing.
On your walk with life, please honor our earth, encourage dignity and share kindness. 🐾
Lens-Artists Challenge #283 – Illustrate a Favourite Quote or Poem
Lindy Low LeCoq 
Well done Lindy, both words and photos. Impressive.
Thank you, John. I appreciate the compliment!
Beautiful pairings, Lindy, telling about the Sanderling habits and your love for the beach and its creatures. You have a keen eye for your feathery friends and a way with words that makes us listen.
Thank you, Leya. I was pretty sure you would be okay with me featuring one of my own poems!
Those are the very best!
Lindy, that is a touching poem. Your photos are terrific, especially the final image. Your ending sentence about honoring our earth should be broadcast widely. Beautiful words!
Thank you, Egídio. I appreciate your praise! That ending sentence is how I finish all my posts, because I agree – it should be broadcast widely!
That is lovely Lindy! You should do a book of poems and images. It would be lovely and the birds would be new to so many who don’t live at the beach!
Thank you, Tina. One of my few goals for 2024 is to refine poems I’ve written over the years and put together another chapbook. Your praise is very encouraging!
Wonderful photos to illustrate a lovely poem. I simply love the last photo.
Thank you, Sofia. They are quite photogenic at rest!
Beautiful poem, Lindy! Love these bird photos. Thank you for sharing with us. 🙂
Thank you, Amy. It is always a pleasure to share with Lens-Artists!
I am so glad you chose one of your own poems to use for this challenge, Lindy. Your poetic observation of their behavior allows me to feel like I am at the beach with you. When I walk on the beach, I find it so entertaining to watch them live their life according to the tide. Your title was perfect, and the photos were as I may have pictured them with your words. This! So nice!!
Thank you, Donna. It is fun to watch the birds on the beach, and though many have similar behaviors, I’m learning to distinguish among the different sandpipers and plovers!
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Indeed!