Ankeny, Pintail Marsh, Midwinter

A pair of mallards cruise gracefully
	Along the grassy edge of Pintail Marsh,
               Quietly together, low in the water,
Preparing for spring.

A lone, small ruddy duck commands 
        The center of the pond, white cheeked
                Blue beaked, only his wake
Splitting water’s still surface.

Monochrome leaden winter sky stretches
	Uninterrupted from the Cascades
                To the Coast Range, caught by reflection,
In the pond at Pintail Marsh.

When we were here last, clouds and sun
	Gave way to a winter squall, a wall of clouds
                 Delivering darkness, and turbulent wind, 
And teeming snow, a rarity.

And as the storm advanced across the valley
	Twenty egrets, stark against the darkest grey,
		Struggled against the gale, making slow progress.

And a thousand geese, in ragged formations,
	Descend to a nearby field seeking refuge,
		The egrets, in their staggering way, follow.

Finding refuge, 
        Fighting, against the odds, 
For survival.    
 

Feb. 3, 2025