Something from while we were waiting this morning. Last one like this for a while. Thanks for indulging me.
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Over the weekend we wandered out into the park to relax and reconnect. Here are my impressions of the day.
Veiled sun sparkling intermittently off the crests of ripples raised by paddling waterfowl. A brighter swath as silver rays blossom beneath heavy gray clouds. Close to shore reflections dapple until bright spots spatter across the dark reflections of trees like spring rain upon the water.
The bright green of grass and oaks interspersed with darker pines above dark water contrast with the hints of blue peering through the white and gray above. Sandstone buildings blend human structure to nature.
Herons stalk the shore. Loose sprinklings of marsh hens hold station effortlessly against a warm, light breeze. Flocks of crows laugh in transit south to north. Mallards take wing on a long practice circuit around the fringes of the lake. Turkey buzzards soar without stirring a wing. A red-tail hawk cruising low, hunting shadows of bass lurking beneath the edges of yellow-green lily pads. A bald eagle circling high, surveying his domain with approval.
We swing lazily back to forth and back again watching kayakers part the scattered flock of marsh hens as they paddle around the lake. A new mother and infant lounge in the shade of the shore enjoying a warm spring-like picnic. Bocce bowlers seek the next intriguing impromptu court for their lightly clacking sport. Joggers, walkers and riders circuit quietly through the landscape. Couples absorb one another like sun in winter sheltered beneath pavilions.
Memories of beauty immersed in a few hours of living. Remember to live the moment.
© 2007 Edward P. Morgan III
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ReplyDeleteNotes and asides:
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We were lucky when we bought this house that it backed up to a county park. Land is hard to come by in this county, and rather expensive. A few years after we moved in, we got a permit to put in a gate to the park (the water gate, as we are right beside a drainage ditch). That means we can easily wander the park or watch a sunset over the lake. Egrets, herons and hawks use the ditch behind the house as a transit route. When we sit on the back porch, we often see them flying or landing on the top of the ditch or fence.
That weekend, we tried to get out into the park as much as possible. The days were sunny and peaceful. Tapping those scenes and memories helped calm both Karen and I as we waited the morning of her first surgery.
Picture notes: A heron Karen caught hunting out in Walsingham park during one of our outings. One of the joys of having a natural space so close is seeing all the wildlife it has to offer.
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