Blue Heron

Passing on the trail by the river,

I met a moment’s silence.

His eye contemplated the depth, 

His wings rounded in an engulfing descent;

He landed, settling in the shallow.

The two of us,

Anchored in stillness,

As the blues and whites of his form flow

And swell above

His two stems.

My breath caught, and I hesitated,

Coordinating my pace to his,

Each footfall more significant and 

Distinct than before.

With a camera, I could have

Captured him, transfixed

In recollection.

But we, anchored in memory, 

Eyes contemplating the depth,

Wings rounding in engulfing descent;

Land, and settle in the shadow.