I see you Gus
in the eyes of the Snowy Owl
as it wings by windshield high
lit from headlights
during a driving
northeast winter
snow blind gale
On beach road
pitch black
heading for the Sound
it turns
time stalls
and we make contact
bird and man

I see you Gus
in the face of the
great grey seal
driving headlong towards
    Menemsha on that
cold wet day
hungry for the first run of
spring herring
hanging airborne
half in half out
of the steep chop   
it turns
time stalls
and we make contact
seal and man

We see you Gus
your hands
in the skin and claws
of the ancient snapping turtle
relentlessly pulling itself
through all time
How you hold it like a brother
how you treat it with respect
like the old friend it is

We see you Gus
with your own brothers
at the funeral home
saying goodbye to another
old-time local friend
How you all smile
and infect the room
with Ben David love
of the Island and all
that make this place
their home

We see you Gus
how you make contact
with great birds
and how they see you too
They stare soul deep
into your eyes
and see your shining spirit
looking back
strong and true
There is no hiding from
eagle, owl, hawk
Fearless you let them in and
they connect with you

Now as you go off and
spread your own great wings
silently you turn
Your bright Island eyes
In the dimming light
look back at all of us
and share your deepest hope
as we connect
with you
Love you Gus