Black Marsh Eclogue

Although it is midsummer, the great blue heron
holds darkest winter in his hunched shoulders,
those blue-turning-gray clouds
rising over him like a storm from the Pacific.

He stands in the black marsh
more monument than bird, a wizened prophet
returned from a vanished mythology.
He watches the hearts of things
and does not move or speak. But when
at last he flies, his great wings

cover the darkening sky, and slowly,
as though praying, he lifts, almost motionless,
as he pushes the world away.

really beautiful! nasser · 2008-05-16: 02:51

I agree with nasser! davidcardona · 2008-05-16: 02:58

great :):):) ronin53 · 2008-05-16: 03:37

really a majestic shot mojaroo · 2008-05-16: 05:01

yes,yes,yes Majestic bird!! vterezia · 2008-05-16: 05:17

very nice, I like the firts Ikuszka · 2008-05-16: 06:05

I've never seen one up close and personal. Thanks for showing yours off. I like #2- really shows his blue. And what other color of herons are there? oldbabe · 2008-05-16: 06:54

AAH the ever cool looking Great Blue Heron!! I shot some yesterday too!! I will post them next week!! Aren't they just one of the coolest Big Birds?? SheriJ · 2008-05-16: 09:26

nice pics my friend, love your picts when you shou me animals and colours Mertxe · 2008-05-16: 09:38

First one looks like the cover of a nature book...excellent! dadlak · 2008-05-16: 11:11

Elegant too! leocheung · 2008-05-16: 11:11

what a great creature! I loved the poem. It really moved me. I had never seen it before. Thank you for including it. I would like to add it's information, in case anyone else likes it as much as I did: Black Marsh Eclogue from A Dragon in the Clouds, Sam Hamill, Broken Moon Press, 1989 JuliaGotz · 2008-05-16: 12:08

very beautiful! kretz · 2008-05-16: 14:25

what a beautiful looking bird!! focussed · 2008-05-16: 20:02

wow ! camilleauteuil · 2008-05-17: 01:34