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Heron Rises
August 30, 2007
Heron Rises ~ Canon 30d
So heavy
is the long-necked, long-bodied heron,
always it is a surprise
when her smoke-colored wings
open
and she turns
from the thick water,
from the black sticks
of the summer pond,
and slowly
rises into the air
and is gone.
Then, not for the first or the last time,
I take the deep breath
of happiness, and I think
how unlikely it is
that death is a hole in the ground,
how improbable
that ascension is not possible,
though everything seems so inert, so nailed
back into itself--
the muskrat and his lumpy lodge,
the turtle,
the fallen gate.
And especially it is wonderful
that the summers are long
and the ponds so dark and so many,
and therefore it isn't a miracle
but the common thing,
this decision,
this trailing of the long legs in the water,
this opening up of the heavy body
into a new life: see how the sudden
gray-blue sheets of her wings
strive toward the wind; see how the clasp of nothing
takes her in.
~ Mary Oliver
May my mind unfurl and be carried on the winds of belonging. May the wings of compassion feather my heart and find their home. May I release all that I am, hands empty, heart open, mind free. May I practice the art of being held completely. May I experience the miracle of letting go.
Thank you, kind and gentle creature, for giving the gift of this moment to me.
Posted by susan at August 30, 2007 9:33 AM
Comments
Fabulous poem for that awesome image, Q:)
Posted by: tamara at August 30, 2007 12:10 PM
Hi! Just had to get my daily Metta fix. Truely present. I was thinking how the water reflects everything without judgment or discrimination. The Blue Heron and the dead log. The water does not say, "Well, I don't like the dead log. I won't reflect that image." It is very calm, yet full of energy at the same time.
Posted by: Bob at August 30, 2007 12:55 PM
What a lovely poem! I held my breath as I read it just as I gasped as I focused on the photo of the heron. How did you ever get that shot????
Posted by: janet at August 30, 2007 4:39 PM
Such a lovely photo and poem. I have always loved herons.
Posted by: yolanda at August 31, 2007 4:11 PM
oh my, this literally takes my breath away.
Posted by: candy at August 31, 2007 4:47 PM
this is my undisputed favorite bird in the world -- my spark bird -- what got me started oogling birds every chance I get -- since about the age of 2 -- the Great Blue is heaven sent -- great photo!
Posted by: bob at August 31, 2007 6:35 PM
