Death at the Rookery

seals on the rocks 
seals in the waves 
baby seals being protected 
by the mother seals 

gulls and pelicans 
cormorants 
waiting, hopefully 

heads bobbing offshore 
more seals there 
I never knew 
this was here 

and now they have 
protected it 
no houses will be 
built here 
to drive these seals 
away 

there is a volunteer 
with a clipboard 
counting 
     seals 

all the people marvel- 
carefully cross the railroad tracks 
to see- 
a sign needs to be 
put here
a sign for people
to read  

these tracks are real 
trains come fast 
through the trees 

some older folks 
supported by other 
older folks 
need to know

I can't believe
that no one has 
perceived 
the death 
that will 
happen 
here 

just a small sign 
a small crossing 
walkway 
would prevent 
the tragedy 

life and death
life and death 
-death at the 
rookery-