Aeriform

Image by Chuck Tague

Aeriform


A phalanx of Canadian geese rose
off the cold green water forming
a feathered spearhead winging
tightly south, past the island,
past the dusky treetops, soon
out of sight, just clarion honking
barely stirring the stillness
of that Fall afternoon, drifting
away from me like spirit birds,

standing there stout, Fellini in slumber,
arms extended, lids half closed,
ready to touch the startling image
of Rainier, caressed in golden radiance,
that glimmering blue-pink ghost mountain,
lifting its head slightly like a great white cat
to feel the kiss of a battalion of angels,
when the crackling shrillness of eagles
came to me, cajoling me

to open my eyes entirely, in order
to greet the majestic nesting pair
that ruled over the lake
flying into view, filling the sky
together

as they frolicked on the currents,
diving down to skim like bullets
over the smooth dark water, looping
up, soaring, tumbling, flapping, floating
absolutely as one heart with four wings,
mates for life,

and just witnessing I found my own
chest swelling with joy, as we,
wingtip to wingtip, became
that royal pair, weightless in the wind
at God’s feet.

Glenn Buttkus

June 2011

Listed as #36 over on Magpie Tales 71

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