An Egret

I watched an egret on a pond take flight and hid as best I could against a tree, not moving, breathless staying out of sight. Remembering, I close my eyes and see-- the view! A sweet reward for all my pains, it flew with whooshing wings right over me! Today, the tree is gone. The pond remains. Sometimes I walk the trail and feel an ache, to see an egret lest the mem’ry wane. Much older now, I know the risk I take, and yet, I come alone before first light to hear the sounds of nature as it wakes and maybe watch an egret taking flight. 1/8/2022