I am always watching
the single heron at its place
alone at water, its open eye…
without seeming to move…
The bird is more beautiful
than my hand, skin more graceful
than my foot, my own dark eye…
— Linda Hogan, from “The Heron” in “Rounding the Human Corners”
DK Photo: Great Blue Heron. 6:15 a.m. this morning. 50° F. Cove Island Park, Stamford, CT. More photos from this morning here.

Something so mysterious about these shoreline sentinels. I watch them work our pond in the early morning hours and at dusk with fascination. Their focus, their grace, their beauty of which they are seemingly unaware, it stops me in my tracks….
So agre Lori. Again, you’ve beautifully described Herons….
There is a solitary beauty in herons that make me embrace my own times alone with/out my thoughts. They seem single-minded. Thanks for this poem, David!
So agree Daniel. You’ve nicely framed it….so nicely.
I especially enjoy witnessing them in flight! They make it look like a ballet in slow motion.
So agree Doug!
The light you captured here is… I’m at a loss for words!
Thank you Laila!
Perfect pairing, David. They are beautiful sentinels.
Thank you Dale. I agree. The are beautiful….
As your lovely image shows 🙂
You slept in? The photo is 6:15 not some outragious hour!
I did! I know!
What did you different the night before? Do that again, unless it’s gorge yourself on candy and ice cream.
I went to bed at 8am!!!!!
Wait… pm?
Sorry! 8pm!
Phew. I was afraid the insomnia got even more extreme!
It would have been a fair assumption! I’m a mess!
Back to bed at 8? Beinging served with coffeee with eggs and toast?
Errata!!! 8pm!
8 pm is differ!!!!! Maybe it’a a trick you want to try again.
Yes!!!!
Don’t turn the tv, computer ot phone on! Just relax.
I’m trying. I’m trying!
How far is Cove Island from your house?
~2.5 miles
nice!
Thank you!
Reblogged this on It Is What It Is and commented:
The bird is more beautiful — Linda Hogan, from “The Heron” in “Rounding the Human Corners”.
So unlike the many ADHD kids I’ve taught.
Hmmmmmmm
I meant that they are the extreme opposite of fidgety. So focused and patient.
Oh. Good!!!!!
I have to get here earlier – I can’t come close to these comments…but there’s something very knowing in the heron’s posture..wise and calm..
Agree!!!!!
What a work of art…the heron…and the photo…those colors! I love everyone’s comments as well. Yes, good to conk out at 8 pm once in awhile!
Smiling. Yes!
I lingered for awhile, breathing in the still, peaceful calm…I know I need the
solitary rest & beauty of your pairing… I appreciate such a gift…
Thank you Christie.
Beautiful in every sense.
Thank you Dina.