MUDDY WATERS

Bird life in Fernandina

He glides cautiously toe to heel

on slender orange legs.

The Blue Heron renders silent ripples

in the grassy wetlands.

His stature erect, graceful as a ballerina.

A pointy beak projects over a long narrow neck.

Reserved and confident,

he dwells beside the Egret,

whose round white frame, curved neck

and skinny legs resemble sticks fallen

from a dead tree.

The Egret peers with beady eyes.

Still water snatches his reflection,

and mimics his own torso.

In common, they stalk the tide

while they search for their prey

among the muddy waters of the lowlands.

Small fish, tiny shrimp, crabs, young mammals

tempt them to satisfy their appetite.

The pair fly, elegant wings flap

slap the thin air, tackle the wind

and soar full blast into

a light turquoise sky.

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

you painted a perfect picture....and the mountains in NC are so beautiful...as is the Bird life...
I saw something back in 1970 you would have enjoyed...my folks lived in Trinidad for a few years..and one i time i was there we took a long boat trip through a swamp/river to a spot where at exactly 6:05 every evening a flock of Scarlet Ibis would come and lite on a certain tree...we had ringside seats...was just a sea of red and so gorgeous...i will never forget it...was almost fifty years ago and can see them still as if it were yesterday.
love your poem.
it brought me back to that moment.
j.

[barleygirl]

INCREDIBLE SHARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (((HUGS)))

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Margie, you're too kind!!!

[Chris Shaw]

This descriptive write was similar to watching a wild life film of the wetlands and its bird inhabitants. I imagined it being read by non other than David Attenborough an absolute icon in my opinion. You took me there and for a few moments I was in the presence of the blue heron and egret watching their antics against a background of perfect blue sky. Lovely work Betty.

Chris

[Lea Sheryn]

I love how you describe the heron and the egret. I can see them when I close my eyes.

[R.E. Ray]

Betty, you've captured nature in a poetic snapshot. I lived in southeast Georgia (not far from Fernandina) for fifteen years, and I saw blue herons nearly every day. For reasons I don't understand, the native Georgians in our area called them "ditch birds." I didn't get the reference. I saw only beauty and grace. I always admired what appeared a comfort in being alone, often in alligator infested waters. You've captured a magical picture here.

[barleygirl]

WOW! You've immersed me in the life! Your poem is teeming with lively details, which make this reading experience feel like I'm surrounded by ALL THIS! I love how your lavish descriptions are laced with personification, so that we also FEEL the spirit & intent of your feathery characters. I've written about the seashore, but honestly, I have never even SEEN the seashore with the same eyes you have! I never see a fraction of the abundance you've packed into this poem! Thanks for filling in where I lack! *smile* Fondly, Margie

[John the Baptist]

A very nice word picture here. One can almost see the two birds as they go about their hunting endeavors. Felt like I was watching one of PBS "Nature" episodes.