THE HERONS

I have seen them flying in
From their nests near the ruined church.

I have seen them bringing
With them the worries of their days,
The unresolved thoughts with which they fill
Their daylight hours. By the water's edge

I have seen them begin to
Settle; to start to give those thoughts away.

They come to the firth
Both to be together and to be
Apart. They come to exchange their dreams
Of air and twigs for those of water and salt.

They come to do what it is
That they are good at. They come to fish.

Gordon Meade