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Aviary Raft, circa 1989
A portulent tuft sidling upward on dampened rocks,
Tail and tucked primary bristling, stiffens;
Greasy saline sweeps and splatters
Penetrating barb and barbule
In agitated preening—an attempted meticulous staggering—
Yet, frigid and fiery epidermis and bill
Yield only terminal petroleum suppers
A downy board buoyant on brine, hailing grounded brethren,
Glistening net of sable and coal, in asphyxiated passing
Osprey to murre, bronchi to ureter,
An import’s spilled premium lies deep
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Apercu
Aviary Raft, circa 1989 is a brief poetic take on birds and oil spills, particularly the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill with a release of 11 million gallons of crude oil.
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Annie James (23) is a social scientist and therapist. Intrigued by the mono-disciplinary approaches to human existence, she spent years formally studying literature, psychology, and philosophy across undergraduate and graduate degrees in Bangalore, India. Amidst her practice, she works to translate scientific data into literary works to create evidence-based literacy across various fields; her poetic works incorporate research, philosophy, and psychology. Her current preoccupation is cultural imprinting.
featured photo by Edouard Traviés
