[ First ever flight of two common goldeneye ducks. Check out other amazing photos by :
http://naturen-ar-fantastisk.blogspot.ca/p/insekternas-fantastiska-varld.html ]
I have often wondered
how the ducklings got to the ground
safely
each year in the big lightning struck Cottonwood
down in Pete and Marie's hay field
a mama duck plants a nest
as high up as high can go
the hole in the tree
is generous
the grass around
soft enough
and each year I just shake my head
and marvel
at the pair's return
and persistent building
in such a high rise
I have never been there to see them come out
...the ducklings...
to see them fall
like baby robins
who topple out of their nests
and usually land harmlessly
my hope was always that they would land harmlessly
each year I would breathe a little prayer
I mean
have you ever seen their fat little bodies and their miniature wings?
I shake my head as I walk away each year
and marvel
and now this photo
35 years I have marvelled
but never seen
35 years I have looked at the lightning struck tree
and wondered if a family would return
and when they do
I simply marvel
no less today
I mean
just look at the delight
in those little ducklings
and their first flight
it is the same joy
I saw in Jedaiah's eyes after Bethany had led him
up to the high tower at Simon Fraser Pool
and he had jumped
taken first flight
(he wasn't yet two)
(his joy was like these ducklings)
over and over again
he would jump
for the pure joy
of falling
now he sky dives
these ducklings will take their
thousand mile migration
come fall
and I am sure what brings them back each Spring
will be the memory
of
their first flight
I still marvel
but now I smile...
first flights
my favouite things
