Time of Harvest

[Eric Virkler]

A morning so still,
not a word, not a sound.
You’re sure that they’re hiding,
but can they be found.

You search through the cattails,
on through the ravine.
Sure that by now,
you’ve already been seen.

Stepping ever so lightly,
ears strained for some noise.
You wait for the prize,
and with camera do poise.

Then the stillness is shattered,
pheasant flushed from the brush.
Wings beating the air,
it escapes with a rush.

Then one. . . two. . . three. . . more
right in front of your nose,
In case there are more,
you stay right on your toes.

Your heart rapidly beating,
though you thought they were there.
Their sudden departure,
still gave you a scare.

Your eyes scan the cover,
all is quiet once more.
They might all be gone,
you can never be sure.

Whoosh! From below
past your face those wings beat.
While you looked all around,
it hid next to your feet.

As your heartbeats subside,
you head back to the truck.
Knowing tomorrow morning,
you’ll again try your luck.

[Fabs Forns]

This is such a familiar feeling that I felt it was me living through your words. Very beautifully described, what we all feel when we go out there hoping to find our dear friends.
Thanks for putting a smile in my face :)

[Lance Warley]

I'm getting up out of my chair, on my feet, giving you a standing ovation, Eric. This is just simply jaw-dropping great!

Double ditto what Fabs said about the familiar feeling.

Great work. I hope you post more in here.

P.S. The photo ain't bad either.

[Julie Kenward]

I love it! I, too, felt like I was right there with you. You really caught the moment and the emotion of this beautiful image.

[Dave Mills]

Eric, I read alot into what you say...beautifully done and appreciated!

[Michael Wolf]

Beautiful. I felt as though I was experiencing it as I read it...... Bravo!

[Eric Virkler]

Thank you all for the kind words. I obviously love being out in nature (as does everyone on this site) and our photographs allow others not so fortunate as us to see sights in nature that they'd otherwise never see. Hopefully, poetry will allow others to get some of the feeling that we get every time we're out. And while I enjoy sharing these with non-nature people, it's nice when those who have (been there, done that) confirm that I got it right and it brings back memories of their experiences. Thanks again and have a great day everyone.