On my first much-needed walk
in a few weeks, a heron, statue-still,
sat guard by the bridge – until
I took out my phone for a shot,
and it slow-winged up and over
the dyke. Down the muddy lane
there were deep red berries,
and overhead the clamour
of geese flying in v, w and x
formations, criss-crossing the sky.
They left me in awe, wondering
where so many geese might fly,
with their honking and squawking,
the breath of autumn in their wings.
Kim M. Russell, 26th October 2023
For the dVerse Poets Pub Open Link Night with Grace.
writing in north norfolk 
I manage so well in catching the beauty of fall. I just feel its weight and the dread of darkness, so this is such a wonderful reminder to look at what is nice.
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love the lettering of flight Kim
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Thank you, Laura. I heard them coming – and they came in waves on the only bright day of the week. I tried to go for a walk yesterday, but my usual path was blocked by flood water. That didn’t stop the geese though, I could still hear them when the rain stopped for a while today.
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We still read the flight of birds like omens.
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Maybe it’s because we’ve been trying to fly for thousands of year, and now we can we’re polluting the sky.
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Flying is maybe one of those achievements that just because we can, doesn’t mean we ought to.
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Gorgeous, Kim. Quite possibly my favorite poem of yours.
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Thank you so much, Jennifer.
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Where indeed will they go, writing their script to the wind. X-ing us out, I hope.
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Smiles.
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They do hold autumn in their wings.
I find birds are not generally fond of cameras. And they are right; just take the moment in. (K)
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I agree, Kerfe, but the air was so full of geese I couldn’t let the opportunity pass.
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Yes, I do that myself–distance give possibilities. I was thinking about the heron. I’ve learned with individual encounters it’s best just to be still and watch.
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This is beautiful, Kim ….. I love hearing those squawks.
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Thank you, Helen. The air has been full of them – when it hasn’t been raining!
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Here in Michigan the passing of the geese have long been the harbinger of winter, just as they herald spring. I like the image of a heron guarding the bridge.
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Thank you, Yvonne. It seems to spend a lot of time there, where the anglers usually sit, waiting for passing fish.
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You have captured the autumn season with those deep red berries. Have seen those geese flying away. Love the last line:
the breath of autumn in their wings.
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Thank you, Grace.
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Simply beautiful writing.
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Thank you, Dianne.
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lovely poem
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Cheers Rog!
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Rog, I’m having trouble commenting on your post. Your Halloween haiku were fun to read. My favourite is
‘Brain eating zombies
Roaming these darkened streets
Wanting just a hug’.
Poor old zombies!
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Thanks for the read.glad you enjoyed. It is an 9ld post and icant figurehow to turn comments back on
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OMG, im absorbed into this poem. I feel like i’m there in your awe.
Much💛love
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Thank you so much, Gillena, with much love!
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The heron are gorgeous to see and in flight even more so! Well done.
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Thank you, Dwight!
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You are welcome!
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Making us see and feel this vision through your eyes is as receiving a treasured gift. Beautiful writing, Kim.
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Thanks so much, Dora!
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I love birds so much – my grandparent name is Birdie – and I feel like I have lived the poem you wrote. I really appreciate the cleverness and visual imagery of the v’s, w’s and x’s.
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Thank you, Kim!
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with their honking and squawking,
the breath of autumn in their wings.
The survival instinct leads the way. Love your write Kim!
Hank
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Thank you kindly, Hank!
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Lovely images. What is it that’s written in the sky? By cloud by bird there are clues everywhere
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Cheers Eric!
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Loved this post – –
Stay Blessed – Mel
ps If i May Add , My New Delicious Keto Recipes Blog Is NOW LIVE – http://www.ketodietrecipes.co.uk Please Follow & Leave A Like
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