Time Stands Still
Unnaturally close we stand.
Sideways you gaze,
yellow eyes hesitantly bold,
questioning … what?
I don't know. I possibly
have more questions.
Waves lap our feet,
wind disarrays our tresses,
ever so slightly tilt our heads.
I yearn to touch; dignity
and awe prevail. You slowly
turn, walk away, continue seeking,
and I remember to breath.
Margaret Bednar, January 23, 2014
May, 2011 I took a trip to Hilton Head and experienced a "close encounter" with a Great Blue Heron. They are naturally very elusive birds, but this one was hanging around the shoreline, seemingly pausing by a few fisherman. I walked by him, maybe 25 feet away, and I still recall the thrill of what I consider a very unnatural encounter.
I enjoy a blog "Vision and Verb" have followed Ginny Hart of In Soul for a long time (exploring the Netherlands and surrounding area), but recently came across a post by Sue entitled "The Elusive Blue Heron", which tickled me no end. I have crab walked, tiptoed, practically slithered upon the ground to get photos of these birds… time and again met with rejection. This past weekend I got a "departure" shot I will have to be satisfied with on my iPhone.
Linked with "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Wednesdays with Peggy - "It's in the Eyes"
This is also linked with Friday Flash 55 - a story (or poem usually in my case) in 55 words - no more, no less! (link up after 8 pm Thursday).
22 comments:
isn't he gorgeous!?
Definitely worth waiting for. You finally got him.
I also like the poem to go with him.
What a wonderful moment captured in words.
Nice
He is so stunning, and I have had the very good fortune of spending a bit of time, cheek to cheek nearly, as I walked about the water, my fishing pole in hand, he just knew he wanted to steal my fish. I just know it!
Oooo...Love how you can see 'the yellow of his eyes' and how you can relate to my story of the Elusive Blue Heron. Thanks for stopping by Vision and Verb and taking the time to leave a comment.
I posted a follow-up on my personal blog: http://suehenryphotography.squarespace.com/httpsuehenryphotographycom/2014/1/22/the-elusive-blue-heron-part-two.html
Striking image, words to match.
Hi Margaret, a beautiful poem for a beautiful bird. However, it does sound like 'one way love' to me.
I had a Blue Heron friend but he befell foul play:
The Friend I Miss
..
Your lines were breathtaking too..
....
Beautiful words. Life enhancing.
AFter reading about your "close encounter", I went back and reread your poem. Knowing how quiet you must of been at the time, your last line reminded me to breath again too!
The beach is the perfect place for primal encounters, and grey herons are like folk--akin yet distance. You feel out to embrace this shore-creature, and the poem stills in that moment.
I especially enjoy seeing them in flight. It always amazes me.
What an amazing encounter. It's always so thrilling to be close to nature.
I think touch is the first thing we always want to do when we see an animal--I don't know why that is, but you see it in the youngest children and the oldest Alzheimer's patient. Here your camera and words make me want to touch, too.
Margaret Bednar...
He could have plucked out your eyeball!!
Majestic critter though.
Loved your Birdland 55
Thanks for playing, have fun on your Mother/Daughter escape
Have a Kick Ass Week-End
Eyeball to eyeball- you can see God working inside.
They are indeed such great birds. Love you photos too! We have them here in the West as well and I always enjoy seeing them. I have a few good heron stories--good idea for poems! Thanks.
They are so elegant even without movements - regal in fact! Great write and pics Marge!
Hank
It sounds like an amazing encounter, and you have described it beautifully Margaret. Love the last line.
Beautiful birds! And your last line is very fine.
"Elusive" is exactly THE word to use for these herons, Margaret, which we see all the time here in Dutchland but usually way out in the polder. Only recently, with my new camera, am I starting to get them from a didtance...but I'm still not satisfied. 25 feet away is CLOSE. Lucky you. I'm so glad you saw Sue's post at V&V.
The one heron I got in the fog back in November from our sister city across the river was at 1200 mm away:
http://ginniehart.shutterchance.com/image/2014/01/27/its-monday/
If the day comes when I'm much closer, you'll be the first to know! :)
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