The Heron

by Laura Harper


In the early morning light a heron, tall and gray, hides in the grasses.
Its beak emerges, long, slender and strong.
The bird slowly lifts with long legs trailing.
Wings flap with great purpose until the heron glides to rest atop a sign: "DANGER—THIN ICE."
The full light expresses the complete beauty of its gently curving body, elegantly poised on the sign.
Later it stalks its breakfast, wading in the shallows in gangly jerking motions.
It is annoyed by red-winged blackbirds aggressively defending their territory.
The heron is a visitor.
The others are here every day.
They are fat, fast and strong—so sure of themselves.
The heron is delicate, uncertain.
The heron will feed and move on.
The heron is in transition.


* * * * *

Laura Harper is a retired attorney and a nature lover currently residing in Silver City, New Mexico.