SPRING PADDLING PALS

Under a cloudless sky

so blue it takes your breath away

a Cormorant rests

on a floating platform built for turtles

to sun themselves.

Pleased to leave behind the banter

of three jolly fishermen

disturbing the peaceful lakeshore

a Mallard takes to wing

quacking in protest.

Silence returns.

Only the sound of

a paddle blade dripping

greets the ear

as Mergansers silently slip by.

Gentle breezes

ruffle the fluff

of last year’s cattails.

In the distance a Cardinal calls:

“pretty, pretty, pretty!”

The Cormorant launches

from the turtle platform

splashing as it goes-

a dark silhouette

bringing light to a long-wintered heart.

(c) 2021 James E. Thyren