The water near the shore is uncommonly still.

Reflecting an uncertain sky like a mirror.

Small clouds stirred by an impatient breeze.

 

Below, the blazing-white egrets,

set against lesser and envious hues,

eagerly search for their evening meals.

 

Their spindle-like legs, lifting gracefully

and purposefully, one after another,

working in concert to find what their host seeks

before the failing light of a western sun.

 

The shallow still water of the inlet

sharing all of this without expectation.