Instead of woods and wilderness I walk the shores of a city park. Nature brings a thrill As the Sound is turbulent. Dark water and white froth Tussle against the shore, Energized by storm surge. As I watch the water A black and shiny back Smoothly emerges, So unexpected I stare in disbelief, Expecting it to turn into a wave. Instead it arcs back down Sliding gracefully below. Only then do I exclaim wordlessly and point Even though the moment has passed. I finally splutter out "Whale!" Disbelief churns like the water. We stare intensely And then… Spray plumes up, The whale's breath Takes away The collective breath Of human spectators. Glimpses of fins, The elusive Orcas Spout and surface Choppy waves simmer – With a stew pod of whales.