They fly over like flagships of the devil

with messages between the dead.

Fighting to keep a straight line

they bring news to Ulysses,

then back again to Lethe

with his letters for the boatman.

Only the cormorant is allowed into hell.

That's why he stands with his wings out

on an unsheltered rock

imploring the heavens

to forgive him for all

that he's seen and heard.