Completing their morning laps,
they flip on to the platform
and stand preening,
pecking at each wet feather
like a swimmer examining his abs,
periodically stopping to lift
their heads for a quick vibration
like the swimmer
shaking water from his ears.
They resume their preen until
they rest their heads on their wings
and fall asleep standing.


© by Bill Batcher.
Used with the author's permission.