After I’d heard the whales sing I

deliberately started to

miss: I’d

aim too high, too low, to right, to

left, anywhere to avoid a

hit.  I

lost my job, of

course –

no-one wants a whaler who’s sentimental over

whales.  But there were others, more

useful than a whaler’s, to be

found.  Strongman, conjuror, guide, I

tried the lot, but most

of all I sought the winged one’s

company, for

she alone forgives my crime and comprehends my

loss.