Paths laid out in forests and along a hidden lagoon
Swans sail in the peaceful water
The view opens up to green windowed downtown
Confronted by a kind of city beauty
Sea wall closed to all but those who rules aren’t made for
Only to end at a lookout
Scramble up the hill and join the rule keepers
Naval barracks and tea houses speak of an earlier generation
Walking behind the aquarium
The gate swings open
The rule bender takes a side step inside
While the rule keeper stands guard outside
He comes back beckoning her to come see Beluga whales
She can’t resist the temptation and takes the risk
Glorious smiling mammals of white and grey with soft eyes
This small walkway is for all not just the ticket buyers
She would have missed it if she stood on principle
He would have missed it if he “cut his losses” and turned back to the forest path.
© 2010 Julie Clark
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