Poetry Friday round-up is with Kay at A Journey Through the Pages.
I’ve had a lot of time lately to look out the window. A hard freeze blew through the deep south, and gifted me with time alone at home on the bayou. The winter bitter winds do not scare away the water wading birds. They must be covered in some powerful down. I’ve watched a particular blue heron, an occasional great white egret, and this morning, a family of wood ducks.
Watching the bayou inspires me to write poetry. If you come by my blog often, you know this is my ongoing topic. My blog title, Reflections on the Teche, is informed by the Bayou Teche (pronounced “Tesh”)
Taking a picture of a blue heron is nearly impossible. They respond to any human activity with flight. I painted a portrait of one a few years ago after a photo by Ralph Fletcher. This painting now hangs in my parents’ dining room.
Blue heron painting by Margaret Simon
Heron Watching
I stand still
at the window
watching.
Take in slow breath.
No need to pray
when seeing this heron.
He perches,
head down,
beak pointed to
water’s surface
where the sun glimmers
like waves in old glass.
Is it a minnow,
mosquito, moth?
I focus on the horizon,
wonder
what his patience
invites me to see?
Margaret Simon, 2018
My One Little Word for my writing life is Present. I want to show up to the page every day. I wrote a post for TeachWrite Chat Blog here. I made a Canva image of my goals for being present thinking of the heron in my backyard and his lessons of patience.
Reflections on the Teche 
Thanks for sharing this beauty and “reflection” with us, Margaret.
“..like waves in old glass” — perfect!
I always love watching the blue herons around here, too, and flying overhead. Such a presence!
I smiled when I arrived at the Poetry Friday link-up page, and saw your name just ahead of mine. It was like I arrived in line, and there was my friend, just in line ahead of me! I wish it were literal, and we could exchange our poems with each other, sharing in the joy of writing. You inspire me each and every day, Margaret! The reason I even have a poem to share is because you nudged, encouraged, and patiently never gave up on me. I am so grateful.
Your poem today is lovely! And the painting is exquisite. I cannot believe those delicate birds survived the hard freeze this week. They are going to be so happy for warmer weather to return (as are you, I am sure!)
I like the mystery and in-the-moment voice in your poem, and how it unfolds with your sense of patient watching and waiting. And we have the bonus of your lovely painting too.
Sounds like some good writing goals! I think if we can be preset we slow our busy lives down a bit-wishing you many quiet, present happenings, thanks Margaret!
Lovely painting, and I like what the heron leads you to see.
Beautiful painting and poem. Thanks for the writing advice! My inner critic can be brutal 🙂
You are fortunate to have such wonderful life outside your window, Margaret. I was brought up and told by a grandfather that every time I saw a blue heron, it meant good luck for me. I don’t see them often, need to visit some bigger lakes than usual, but I do love them, and your painting, too. It’s gorgeous. The poem is so calm, like that breath of being present. Have a wonderful day!
A blue heron, a frosty bayou, a gorgeous painting, and a poem. Better than Christmas! You are very blessed.
Your painting is lovely. The voice in your poem is so peaceful. I wish I had a view to see such beautiful creatures.
I love the idea of heron watching as a form of prayer and the image of the sun glimmering, “like waves in old glass” is beautiful. You’ve crafted such a serene moment in your poem and also revealed yet another talent with your wonderful painting–Wow!
A lovely bird you’ve celebrated here today! We have several rookeries in town, but being as we’re in NH, the birds are gone long before it gets bitterly cold.
A great blue heron flew low directly over me and its shadow as it passed led me to believe that birds really did descend from dinosaurs!
This is a beautiful painting and poem. I’ve had the good fortune to see a few blue herons–usually taking off in flight as wander along the river. I’m looking forward to seeing the sandhill cranes when they migrate through a little later.
Gorgeous post, Margaret. You know I love this poem. “Like waves in old glass” is perfect. Thank you for sharing your Canva image. I need to be reminded of your advice every day!