From my poetry archives. Some have seen it, others have not. It was written a number of years ago and its muse was the Hudson River. Despite its environmental issues, it was and is still a beautiful body of water. Please enjoy.
The geese and ducks
share the river near the shore
among water chestnut leaves
which slowly give way
to autumn’s final call
The tide coming in
the two flocks paddle gently
to maintain the place chosen
to rest and wait almost impatiently
for skies to clear
Fog veils the water
and a cold gentle rain falls
hastening the trees’ shed of leaves
their golds and browns
mixed still with green
gently defying the season
The sound of the birds is gentle and low
a moment of peace and grounding
before the call to flight
sounds once more
for all to obey
The flap of wings now
a drying move
a gesture of restlessness among the leads
The groups mingle for a minute or two
traveling comrades sharing a common moment
In but a short time they are gone
impatient for Nature to cooperate
The day is still grey and rainy for those left behind
but the reality is softened by this memory
of grace and beauty along the river’s edge
© 1999 Lauren Swartzmiller
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