THE GULL WAS FOR CRABBING...

 The Gull Was For Crabbing…

The herring gull seared from its low flight 

And as I turned my head it hit the shallow tide,

Snatching, ensnaring, scooping up and carrying

A writhing crab onto the beach nearby.

The crustacean clawed and pincered and tried to fight

But it was ripped apart, dismembered and gorged

On the damp sand by the efficient bird, without tarrying.

Flesh and legs were quickly swallowed, leaving 

Behind an empty shell, a pitiable sight.

Yet the crab had injured the predatory gull,

For its left foot was damaged and clearly weak.

It then floated hurt in meagre shallows dull

But the kill had been quick and impressively sleek…   

Pete Ray

1st May 2022

This happened just metres from me on Portscatho beach.

The crab was simply ripped to pieces and eaten in quick time, although it appeared that the gull’s left foot had been injured by the battling crustacean…

AFTER THE FEAST...

THE LEFTOVERS...