VIEW FROM THE TOP poem

View from the Top

Petrol-bins overlap harbour’s western edge
rising in bulbous canisters, white for purity
progress symptoms in a rush-along society
as man’s machines grind across the Angus Macdonald.

From this observer’s crows nest all is calm
on McNabb Island, its only outpost
a lighthouse beam smiling at me, this
neck of land guarding harbour’s open mouth.

Astride the scene below swooping in proud
delight, seagulls check out trails
they know so well, patient in their quest
for space aside the parking lot below.

Box cars patient with spacious holds, shunted
for now off the beaten path, nearby flags blowing
proudly in the wind…
this striking view from our holiday floor.

(c) 1992 Richard L. Provencher

first published 1992
Writer’s Lifeline No. 2
Cornwall, Ontario
Publisher Vince Gill