The Tri-Colored Heron

On lake’s edge,

Sharing a log with a coot and three turtles,

The tri-colored heron stands on one yellow leg, and

Preens itself with sensuous abandon.

Preen and preen, twist and twist,

The long neck moves to permit

The long beak to probe and pick

Between the fluffed feathers.

Standing on one yellow leg,

Sporting nuptial feathers,

Showing off its white crown,

Preening, long neck and long beak

Probing and probing,

The tri-colored heron,

Sharing a log with coot and turtles--

Lake edge, one yellow leg,

Standing, preening. 

--January 29, 2013