My large wings soar through a sweltering gale,
Rays slipping through the sky’s sheer cloak, a fashion fail.
But add a dab of sunscreen, shades on my face,
My feathers shall gleam bronze in a caramel embrace.

With my golden tan, I parade across a city’s groans,
A few leafless trees below, their burnt scalps well shown.
But this open field’s like a runway view for shows,
So the people below can awe at my beak and glow.

But with all this flying around, I’ve started burning out,
I’ll just drench myself in a latte-colored spout.
The sun dries my throat a bit harsher these days,
Is it the ozone being stingy again with the cool shade?

Once the blaze cooled, I flew to see the horizon arrive,
A see-through veil where black smoke and gray clouds collide.
Aesthetically pleasing, with hints of a burning scent,
How long can I strut and say, “Another day well spent?”

- Russell Ognes 

(Illustration by Alexandra Lim/FEU Advocate)