Skuas over Rubha Beag.

Out of the mountains
three skuas came
plumage the colour of menace
bodies heavy with purpose

 head turning from side to side
one bird knew its way
across the kelp-lined shore
and lazy beds where small birds nested

 another took its chances
by following a fishing boat
pursuing the gannets and gulls
until they disgorged the offal

 biding its time the third
hitched a ride on a corkscrew thermal
found itself soaring higher than the eagles
as if casting off the earth

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