Saturday, October 16, 2010

Thinking of Migration

Great Blue Heron
(Ardea herodias)

When my heron lifted her head and tilted it, looking up at the skein of migrating geese flying overhead, she was almost human.

Rather, she was more than human and greater than human by far, greater by rolling oceans and star dappled heavens, by windswept valleys and unexplored ranges higher than the Himalayas. She was elemental grace and dignity; she was majesty and wildness; she was wonder and grandeur and pure enchantment.

I could have watched her forever, and I felt like getting down on my arthritic old knees in the bog and thanking her for her august presence. Let us hope that she has left her cold pond behind and flown south on her great blue wings.

7 comments:

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Beautiful. If I had been with you this ancient one would have joined you on her knees. Have a day full of blessings!

Tabor said...

They are so elegant and awkward at the same time.

Peaceful said...

two days after my love passed away the cormorant living next flew over the small background, very slowly and low...
that was so beautiful...
love to you ...

the wild magnolia said...

The heron draws us close by beauty and kinship. We are reminded to be passionate observers of fellow travelers upon this our mother earth.

Beautiful words and photo.

Anonymous said...

The quiet and elegant acceptance of the nature of things is deeply humbling.

Graciel said...

how did i find you today? no matter. it remains that i did and i am quite glad.

birds have my heart and none more so than the great blue.

i will be back. your nature draws me in.

judy said...

Cate, thanks for your blessing to use the heron to paint from. It inspired me to give her a mate and to do some fun and creative fabric work. If you go to my blogsite at www.judyshop.wordpress.com you'll see the pics at the Art Show. hugs, Judy