I’ve been thinking. Since I’m new to Maryland I’d like to get to know the spirit of this land. In mythologies of other lands where I’ve lived, I learned stories and archetypal figures associated with them. So, I wondered. What is the energy emerging from this place. And then, one morning on my walk with Tallulah, I saw her. As beautiful as you please, the Great Blue Heron posed for me. Or so I thought.
Actually it's a Yellow Crowned Night Heron! Terri, long-time resident of this wonderful place and good friend, read my post. She remembers a visit from the Yellow Crowned Night Heron in the past and is so glad that I have captured her return. The next day Terri saw the Great Blue Heron on her walk. We laughed that I must have "summoned" her. I've added a photo I took of Great Blue over Chesapeake Bay during a visit some months ago. Clearly, whether Great Blue or Yellow Crowned, herons offer a special kind of energy that graces this land.
As if she emerged
out of the rippling light
on Long Branch Creek,
I see her still and watchful.
She knows
how the creeks and rivers
thread their way to the Chesapeake
and to the Atlantic nearby.
There’s confidence and power
as she stands firm
amidst the clan of crows
in the tulip trees above.
Her slender legs reach down
intuitively touching cool mud for balance.
Inherent wisdom.
Unapologetic presence.
What better figure to express the archetypal energy of this land than the magnificent heron?
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