As evening sun slowly drops behind the hills,
I watch gray heron, sailing
Out from pink and purple clouds
Down to the lake to fish.
It isn’t my preference to work,
Rising on draft of wind,
Standing alone on long, bony legs,
Watching quietly so to catch a late supper.
Darkness will soon be upon him.
Even his yellow eyes will no longer shine,
But for now, there he is, precisely
The poem I am called to write.
I cannot fully describe how lovely
Late August can be,
When the heat of the day is gone
And cool nights already have come.
Soon the trees on the hills
Will no longer reflect deepest green,
Preparing themselves to let go,
Touch the solidity of Earth again.
Moonlight now offers heaven’s soft light,
Cool breeze washing away the heat.
Approaching change of season
Teaches as good as any book.
In this wild, caustic, tender world,
I am silent, hush all questions and easy answers,
Listen simply for the song that echoes,
Whispers over the hills, no matter the season.
Wonderful imagery…and atmosphere! I frequently long to come and sit silently to watch your lake and the birds that visit it.
Come on over, and I’ll pop the cork on some wine. Unless you’d like to sit out on the deck alone. If we’re together, there will likely be conversation.
I love this poem!
Thanks so much, Suzy