Three Herons

Three herons
float low over the woods
searching for still water
after the rains

A calm place
to rest, to sink their toes
into the soft mud
and stay awhile

The trio drifts downward
toward the lake,
the curve of their wings
an arching eyebrow

Oh, if only I could witness
their graceful glide
over the surface,
the single ripple
of their choreographed landing

Three herons
stand, watch, wait,
motionless near the shore
a redbud showers
tiny purple blossoms around their shoulders
the water lays a banquet
at their feet