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White Ibis with Plastic Bag

I was pushing the laden trolley

when I saw him - a magnificent white ibis
with long outstretched wings
and something blue
like a parachute
trailing behind.

What the...?

He dropped out of the air
close to me
and staggered
drunkenly
into the loading bay.

I crawled after him on hands and knees.

He was so beautiful
and utterly helpless
helpless and ridiculous
wearing that silly plastic bag
like a necklace.

A moment of hesitation
- as I perused the long curved charcoal bill -
then I lunged quickly
and held the bird tight
(Mum used to keep chooks)

His trembling body
felt warm
and fragile beneath my hands

and his beak wasn't sharp at all -
but rubbery when he pecked me.
It didn't hurt.

I removed the bag
and the bird flew away
leaving me strangely elated.

Alison Cassidy