Food Chain

[Maureen K Clifford]

FOOD CHAIN
Maureen Clifford ©The Scribbly Bark Poet


We read the news with great dismay, saw pictures on the screen
where seeing is believing and ‘twas not another dream.
The setting was idyllic, surf and sand and clear blue sky.
A typical Aussie beach day but one bloke heard the cry.

His mates were all outstanding, fearless buggers one and all
who ignored not the problem, but responded to the call,
perhaps the sharks were circling, or were they just dolphin fins?
No time to think about it – one man down, just bring him in.

At Diamond Head – warm waters lured the predators as well.
No warning lights were flashing and nobody rang a bell.
Breaching the terms of conduct – the big fish just took a bite
breakfasting on some fingers, a mere snack, a fish delight.

No cup of coffee prior to this instant fishy feast,
the bait was simply human – attractive to the beast
though the line attached was to a board, no sign of rod or reel
an automated service. To the shark this did appeal.

This bloke was one that got away, not filleted but battered.
He lived to swim another day and that is all that mattered.
The shark? He lives to tell the tale. The due date duly noted.
His comments in the Fishtail news have all been read and quoted.

And once again a line is crossed ‘tween animals and men.
Be wary, do not show contempt, be respectful to them.
For we can live together interact with harmony,
but if we think we can eat them – Fair’s fair, don’t you agree?

[Cropduster]

Fair enough, indeed, Maureen.

No one likes to here about a shark attack, but when we venture into the domain of wild animals, we must accept the risk.

Still, my heart goes out to victims of shark attacks and their families.

Very clever and very well written.

[Heather]

I enjoyed that Maureen. That clash of man and beast goes on in all sorts of settings.

Heather

[Maureen K Clifford]

I don't particularly like sharks but they have their place in the grand master plan so it seems unfair they should be culled for doing what they do - it is always horrific when one reads of shark attacks but IMO people take a calculated risk when swimming in our oceans the same as one would if trekking across the African veldt with its rampaging lions, rhinos and other things that could harm you. Thanks for your comments folks

[Vic Jefferies]

Good poem Maureen. I am always saddened when I hear of a shark attack but I can never understand the thinking that blames the shark and demands that it be destroyed. The shark is doing what it does in its domain and if we venture there we should accept the danger, the risk and understand we are food.