On spindly steps, the seabird dances
Along the border of packed sand and
Murmuring sea

A glint, seaward, turns its eyes ---
A shadow, mine, brings them back
From the waves

With a start, its mates, likewise
Dancing on the border, cry at
Some nervous presence

Hopping fiercely, awkwardly, it
Stumbles forward, stepping towards the
Motions of flight

Its dumpy form, dragged skyward by
Slender, frantic wings, shudders in
Flight above the waves

Synchronized, its mates, likewise
Shudder into awkward flight
Above the murmuring sea

The sun paints this moving flock
With light and shadows and the blur
Of beating wings

Like a dancer, lovely and graceful
It rises from the rippled sea, glowing
With life and purpose

How beautiful is the motion of
A myriad life, turning always
To seek after God

How wondrous is the gracious God
Who transforms our trembling motions
Into graceful dance.