Heron World

Athens, Georgia

July 20, 2010; revised January 7, 2015
See also Heron in the Wood

Late afternoon envelops stillness
        in patches of shade, and sunlight, and sky
                        radiating moist heat,
                that leaves a sheen
        of salty wet on glistened skin.

And as the river valley glows,
        the shimmering green 
                        surrounds a solitary
                heron

perched in gray-white dignity,

        a sleekness suspended

                        from supple neck

                to thin stick leg

inhabiting a heaven

        of sparkling mud

                        and slow waters

                that mingle in quiet eternity.

What visions haunt the river bird soul

        taking rest at day’s end?

                        In peaceful interlude

                does focus remain true

        to ripple and darting shadow,

        to splash and sustenance below?

Does awareness expand

        beyond shoals and shallows

                        through dappled forest borders

                to the wondering spirit bound

        by skin and brain above?

The heron unfolds

        into neck and wing

                        flashing blue-silver rhythm

                in ponderous flight.

His harsh cry highlights  

        primordial grace 

                        disappearing into downstream shadow

                as eternity dissolves

                        and light breezes hint

                                soft darkness to come.