Fledge

The sea grape’s
many ears are broad
and mirthful wax cups,
red veins steeped
 
in adoration
of each skim and sweep
of the young swallow:
his scoop of tail,
 
sea-shine
on dark wing.
No wonder she raises
her round ears
 
to the storm. No wonder
she lets them flutter
and fold, and perhaps
one day tear free.