Owl on the Mere

Baleful his note of warning
repeats among cattail and reed,
in the murk of the deep morning
when he begins to feed.

Coneys from their safe warrens
and mice from their burrows creep;
but round these blighted barrens
the waterfowl are asleep.

Over the mere's still water
he scans with his weather-eye,
where skims the spindle-legg'd spider
and floats the green dragonfly.

Now with a swift, silent gliding
he swoops upon his prey;
scared creatures fly into hiding
to wait for the glimmer of day.

Baleful his note of warning,
to any who listen here.
Now, crowned in the gold light of morning,
sleeps the owl on the mere.



9.16.13