Another response to a dVerse Poets Pub prompt: write a haibun (prose + haiku) inspired by Groundhog Day.
groundhog day with seagulls: greedy but collaborative
The seagulls surround me as I toss stale chips for them to gobble. I’m a little afraid but also invigorated by their voracious appetites, their their zest for life, their ‘laughing’ (screaming) as they jostle and vie for position.
I’ve been here before, done this before, when I needed to let go of everything else. I visit the gulls, feed them and photograph them. Their simplicity and single-mindedness lays bare the basic necessities of their lives, their groundhog day existence: eat, mingle, survive, forage, fly together, chase shrimp boats, sleep, make raucous noises—and repeat. They are at once competitive and collaborative, moving in flight as a communal whole while greedily snatching the food I’ve brought as individuals. I mull over their message for me – what do I need to learn from this experience? – while I rejoice in the sheer authenticity of their behavior. I feel so connected to the universe as I stand on beach, surrounded by their screeches, tossing the scraps for them to fight over, watching as they retreat together when my supply is exhausted.
Is this a metaphor for humans? Are we on a competitive but collaborative journey, destined to repeat, repeat, repeat? Do we fight or share? Or both, like the seagulls?
communal, greedy gulls
laughing, screeching, fighting—but
sticking together
The short Gulls Doing Their Thing video above and photos below were taken on the day before Groundhog Day, 2025 by the Washington Street Pier in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. We have a small ‘bay camp’ there called Gumbo Cove, where we go as often as we can to relax, recharge and commune with nature.
Gulls bring me peace and a sense of balance, and I will be feeding and photographing them whenever I can, my own groundhog day, in a positive way.
To read poems by the other poets, click on Mr. Linky and then their posts. You won’t be disappointed!
© 2025, Glover Gardens
GREAT PICTURES! I love seagulls.🥰
Me, too! And thanks, that’s high praise coming from you. You are a TREMENDOUS photographer. I am in awe.
Nature is the best teacher. Such a beautiful day and the gulls seem peaceful while they wait for their snacks.
I agree! There’s definitely a kind of peace in the air even when they’re circling and screeching, because that’s what they do; it’s expected, it’s the circle of life, the groundhog day-ness.
Very nicely presented, and wonderful scene set with the seagulls described, leading to the real philosophy, and the democratic point made in the haiku.
Thank you so much! I’m glad you caught the subtleties.
Amazing images, Kim. I love the title ‘groundhog day with seagulls: greedy but collaborative’ and the philosophical tone. I agree, seagulls do have a groundhog day existence.
Thank you so much, Kim!
Humans are like rodents, seagulls are like rodents, so humans are also like seagulls.
LOVE LOVE LOVE the syllogism!!!
Wonderful photos, I agree, there is so much to learn from seagulls. I love them.
Thank you! I do believe they can be our teachers.
I agree! I find it so funny how they shoo each other away, or tell each other off. They are very honest. 🙂
Yes, wouldn’t it be nice if we could all be so authentic!?
Absolutely. 🙂
Interesting analogy and the photos are beautiful. The gulls can be greedy when hungry all trying to get a morsel. They do stick together in collaborative flocks, Now, I dream of warmer days and walks on the beach,
Thank you! Warmer days and beach walks sound lovely!
“I’ve been here before, done this before, when I needed to let go of everything else”.
Your haibun, every word of it resonates so deeply that it brought me to tears. I don’t know where you live, but your photos represent the same scenery a few minutes from my home. Some people are actually annoyed by seagulls at the beach, but I love to watch their behaviours. The parallels of society and nature are presented exquisitely in your words.
Oh Mish, your affirmation is so lovely and validating. Thank you! I’m beyond touched that you were moved by the haibun. This is why we write, right??
The gulls (this time) are from Bay St.Louis, Mississippi, and your comment made me realize that I should say that in the post.
Kim I so enjoyed this, you ask the real questions, which I feel too, I was moved to reflect more on this.
Thank you so much! your comments are so validating. I’d be very interested to hear your further reflections, whether here or in a post you make on your own site on the topic. Feel free to come back and share a link!
Very kind, thank you for the invitation ❤️
I’m sorry I’m so late! What a marvelous way to spend Groundhog’s day! I’ve enjoyed seeing sea gulls on the beach–although never so many at one time!
It seems like millions if you have snacks for them!
Btw, that previous Anon was me!
I love this perspective! Can’t fault the gulls for wanting a simple life by the sea with good food!
Sounds pretty appealing, doesn’t it!?