I stalk along the waterways with eyes alert for prey,
or pause, a stilted statue in the shallows by the edge.
My plumage is attractive though displayed in shades of grey
and easily, despite my size, I hide among the sedge.
My voice is rough, a croak won't add to lakeside harmony,
however my appearance is enough to earn me praise.
I hunt both day and night and tend my nest up in a tree,
five little ones can fledge in fifty five to sixty days.
I spend my solitary hours surveying watersheds,
and yet retain my family and share community;
each day I contemplate the banquet Nature kindly spreads
and when it is presented, take the opportunity.
My life and all I know depend on water's purity
and I appeal to humankind to value it for me.
Author notes
Photo: Great Blue Heron Salton Sea, Henry Detwiler
The title refers to Aesop's fable.
http://www.litscape.com/author/Aesop/The_Frogs_Asking_for_a_King.html
A contest entry
- Name that Bird 25 (blue heron) by MagicLady.
300 points, ended May 30, 2008, 3 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What do you think?
Comments
1 - 9 of 9
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Simply beautiful poem!
What a beautiful classical nature sonnet with tremendous praise both for the bird and it's environs, but also a prayer for mankind! I just adore this poem, MargareG! Very well done!
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Congrats. on Trophy.
Lovely nature sonnet.
You have a quiet humour underlying the description. King of the Frogs? Connoisseur of Frogs?
The fisher heron is well-presented.
Thank you, Margaret.
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You have given the heron quite an endearing personality. The herons around here are a little less flamboyant than the pictured one, but they still have that same stilted shape - and they seem to be increasing in number, so maybe humankind is doing something right for a change. As usual, this is a finely crafted sonnet, informative and good humoured and well deserving of a prize. On the subject of the heron's personality, I wonder how the wee fishes and frogs might see him? Perhaps as a sort of random lightning bolt decimating their families? Anyway, I like the look of herons -their dignity and stillness, and I feel you've captured that well. Plenty of wee frogs and sticklebacks to go round!
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congratulations on the shiny golden silver trophy, margaret !
marion -
Ah, you speak eloquently
for those who cannot,
sending the message clearly
to protect the environment.
Aesthete
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I loved this!
Your poem enlightened with its factual poetic lines, so perfectly linked into a wondrous sonnet. Very good personification -- I know a few Kings of Frogs, too!
What winners you write, Poetess, and with what wonderful finesse!
Good luck in the contest.
Love
Myra
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a perfect sonnet in homage to this blue feathered fellow ... you wonderfully describe its way of living and its habits through masterfully woven words ... I could very well see this poem in a collection of poetry for the protection of nature and wildlife ...
all the best,
maa
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What a beautiful bird she is and the poem does her such wonderful justice. It's so lovely to see your work again, Margaret. I hope your vacation is over for now.
Patricia
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Story book or movie
I could easily see this wise King of frogs telling this story in a story book or movie to teach the importance of being a good steward of earth to his subjects.
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