Encounters in and with nature can be so healing and bring us moments of calm. The heron in the image inspired this poem.

Banking in for a landing 

in the shallow inlet water 

Standing with head scrunched down,

long skinny legs hidden in the pond 

Listening with no movement, silent,

sturdy wings folded tightly in place 

Jabbing swiftly into murky water 

as a silvery fish flits by

Slurping down in one piece 

the unsuspecting prey 

Spreading wings wide

ever graceful in takeoff 

Soaring over shimmering water 

legs and neck outstretched

Disappearing between the trees 

on it’s way toward the river 

Leaving behind a watchful heart

touched and opened and healed

for the moment 

Originally published by boats against the current.