Beside a Great Blue Heron
by James Thielman

I climb a path to La Mesa Park in Santa Barbara.
The Table is a fitting name for this flat land,
five stories above the ocean beach. A fall would kill,
but a chain-link fence shields us from steep cliffs.

A paved walkway sits four strides from the fence,
but brave feet have grooved a path along the fence.
I’m on that path when a blue heron joins me.
He stays by my side and our eyes connect.

It feels like two friends out for a walk, only
one of us rides air, the other solid ground.
I sense my quiet companion is saying hello,
because he precisely matches my pace.

Of course, we don’t speak the same language,
but actions are felt in mind and heart. Near a tree
he says goodbye and glides down to the ocean beach.
I’ll fly with you, old Blue, for the rest of my life.



 

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