Sharing the Treasure

We did not want to tell
Too many people would spoil it
But, my best friend and her mother
(both avid birders)
got a guided tour

Tom was in the lead and
I took up the rear
We tried to take a shortcut,
but, my shoes stuck in the mud
I walked away in stocking feet
pulled the shoes out, put them back on

Bush-wacking and bugs attacking
As we neared the rookery
they were so excited
It was like I saw again for the first time

We spent about an hour
observing and meditating
trying to mentally record
all we saw and heard

It was difficult to look up
as the sun streamed
through the canopy

I called her Aunt Donna
for most of my life
yet she is really a distant cousin
Today I called her Donna, an equal,
a fellow birder allowed to view this special place
She was incredibly spry and curious
At 70, and a cancer survivor
though she made through the wetland woods

She climbed up muddy banks,
lept over holes,
and even walked across a beaver dam
She stared for awhile at the reflective pond
full of Pond lilies, aquatic plants, and grasses

She observed with reverence
as the young chicks
sqawked as the parents soared
circling overhead

Donna's middle-born daughter,
my long time best friend
was also there
I am proud of her for making through many obstacles

Together the four of us experienced the awe inspired by this moment

I know I will return again
as silently viewing the chicks
is better than watching any TV show or movie.

The chicks are growing fast
they'll fledge soon...this treat won't last.