Poetry

An Iridescent Flash

I saw an indigo bunting once.

Hiking at the expansive preserve
Along the trail beside the corn field.

A border of stalks. Towering. Plain. Endless.

August air, hot and still.

In my mind I was done with the hike.
My tired feet trudged the
Last shadeless stretch.

Then, an iridescent flash.
Violet. Periwinkle. Indigo.

A crystal clear arrow.
Flying low. Straight. Toward us.

Then, gone.
Into the corn

A purple-blue rainbow,
A split second explosion.

Vibrance seared into my brain

The stunning beautiful.
God’s brief magic.

Choppy Water

A few ambitious branches glow
burnt umber, crimson and a
golden shade seen on parrots

We paddle through choppy water

Most trees lining the shore cling
to late August greens, dull and
forlorn as summer winds to an end

We paddle through choppy water

Our canoe is heavy with camping things
And firewood, for flames and pondering

We paddle through choppy water

A lone loon flies low
Parallel to the water’s surface
A precise, effortless distance
There is no flapping, simply
Levitation with forward motion
Isn’t that magic?

We paddle through choppy water

Now, an island’s fancy greeting
A rocky shore with full moon rising
Laying a glistening water runway
Bathing our canoe in moonlight

A tent, an island, a sweet retreat

2018, Summer

The river had flooded its banks that day
Swirling around tree trunks and stranding
Muddy puddles and mosquitos along our path
We jumped the puddles and swatted bugs
I walked only a step ahead under the sun

Puffy clouds floated above when we froze
Barely breathing as that electric blue dart
Whizzed then helicopter hovered over cloudy puddles
Four translucent silver wings glittering

Then eight

Two dragonflies dancing in unabashed performance

One simple moment of life affirming perfection
Standing inches apart, inhaling magic

Minutes of awe laying a path
As wide eyes absored joyful views
Drenched in nature’s excellence