The Blue Heron

Gracefully gliding in at sunset,

the Blue Heron stands silently

assessing its safety, ever vigilant,

scouring the shallow waters

off Puget Sound for a meal.

Broken clam shells, small rocks, and kelp

lie in clear pools gently pulsing

in shore and out, inshore and out.

The silver glint of a small minnow Is

terminated with one deft strike from the bird.

Two herons drop down nearby.

Their silken flight ending soundlessly.

Timing is everything to these sky masters.

Soon the tide will rush the beach and

the herons will retreat to their secret domains.