Once a year
the dusty plain
of the great Kalahari Desert
turns into a shallow lake
A flock of gray white pelicans
flies in from the distant sea
to wade in the knee-deep waters
to hatch and raise their young
The sun beats down, day after day
the water steams and thins
Will the little ones
learn to fly in time
before the birth sea disappears?
O Kwan Yin
white queen of hearts
riding the puffy clouds
Remember your vow to all living things
Watch over the pelican brood
Yes, it sometimes happens
the merciless sun
drinks up the entire lake
The mother pelicans watch in dismay
as the children chase a mirage
Finally they must leave their young
on the burning desert sands
circle twice calling out in distress
and return to the bitter sea
by Hassan Gebel
