Archive
09/24/10 - (5)
Lucky Thirteen
Finally, after a week of their total absence, complete silence, I sight Canada geese — a flock of thirteen near-adults — Foraging just off the shore, Between two docks immediately west of my cabin. They're engrossed with the abundant vegetation, Which, in just the past few days, has risen, As the lake's warm top- and cold bottom-water changed places, A phenomenon that occurs twice a year, A rotation of volumes nature practices faithfully, fall and spring.
And now I understand why these creatures have stayed so late: The marine plenitude is pushing autumn to its edge, Before they make their herculean hibernal migration. Continually, each bird tips, headfirst, below the surface And, white breast, black tail feathers exposed — A handstanding circus clown in a flouncy wedding gown — Snatches plants until it very temporarily fills its beak. After a while, in single file, the geese paddle away. They don't need warnings, from me, about winter's proximity.
09/24/10 - (5)
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