Post on stilts plinth

Movement carved by stillness

Playing patience with statuesque

Time open-ended between moves.

But come the slightest nearby stir

Sets up stealthy pose for plunge

One swift jab-stab

Catch and swallow – reset stone.

Flight measured for leisure

Siesta born Lancaster bird

Lumbering gracefully to take off into

Unhurried royal and magisterial progress.

Submitted to Aircrew Remembered by David Lockyer. David holds the copyright and permission must be sought to reprint, thank you.