The Heron by Linda Hogan
A Heron in flight, Galway bay, Ireland
Photography : Nigel Borrington
The Heron
by Linda Hogan
I am always watching
the single heron at its place
alone at water, its open eye,
one leg lifted
or wading without seeming to move.
.
It is a mystery seen
but never touched
until this morning
when I lift it from its side
where it lays breathing.
I know the beak that could attack,
that unwavering golden eye
seeing me, my own saying I am harmless,
but if I had that eye, nothing would be safe.
The claws hold tight my hand,
its dun-brown feathers, and the gray
so perfectly laid down.
.
The bird is more beautiful
than my hand, skin more graceful
than my foot, my own dark eye
so much more vulnerable,
the heart beating quickly,
its own language speaking,
You could kill me or help me.
I know you and I have no choice
but to give myself up
and in whatever supremacy of this moment,
hold your human hand
with my bent claws.
.
– See more at: http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/20151#sthash.WSe1sWRE.dpuf
Nigel Borrington 
Fantastic capture Nigel. The first photo is superb! 🙂
March 4, 2014 at 1:05 pm
Hello Norma 🙂 🙂 🙂
Thank you , I just love these birds .
We have a lots of them, very locally and its a pleasure to see them 🙂 🙂 🙂
March 4, 2014 at 1:08 pm
You have lots of great things in Ireland 🙂
March 4, 2014 at 1:11 pm
Thank you Norma , yes we do!! and its great to capture as much as I can 🙂 🙂 🙂
March 4, 2014 at 2:59 pm
Oh so graceful
March 4, 2014 at 4:40 pm
Hello Diana 🙂
Thank you, Spring/Summer soon and they will be out again on all the rivers , nesting and fishing .
🙂 🙂 🙂
March 4, 2014 at 7:29 pm
Hello Diana 🙂
Thank you, yes they are 🙂 🙂 🙂
March 5, 2014 at 5:29 pm
Magnificent creatures…
March 4, 2014 at 9:31 pm
Hello Rebecca 🙂
Yes I love these birds a lot , just to watch them fish and hunt is amazing 🙂 🙂 🙂
March 5, 2014 at 5:28 pm
I often wonder if we are the most advanced creatures to walk this world…. 🙂
March 6, 2014 at 6:17 am
Beautiful post Nigel, stunning images as always! : )))
March 5, 2014 at 3:58 am
Hello Anne 🙂 🙂
Thank you , Very welcome and wonderful comment !!!
🙂 🙂 🙂
March 5, 2014 at 5:27 pm