Rainbow Rising

Dave Motes

In the ancient stream-sung meter:

tilt of chin to ride the motion up,

then veer the slightest left or right,

and flare to neutral pause --

a moment's yielding lean downcurrent,

an instinct inch of scrutiny

along the mirrored skin of air.

When good the last lift grows above,

We break the bead and bite, in meter, turn the same way down,

the stroke in power, caudal feather air,

and two or three and coast

the curve back down to hold.