taking inventory

Today on the river
   I saw an eagle
      soar to the top
          of a tree—

and a blue heron
   skulking in the reeds--
      a mother merganser
         pursued by four ducklings

veering away
   from the snapping jaws
      of a voracious pike--
         There were more turtles

than I could count---
   most sunning
      on fallen logs
         along the riverbank—

and one brave terrapin
   who approached my boat
      unintentionally,
        diving deep when I moved my oar

 dragonflies
   flying in tandem
      would flit and light,
         attach to my portside

then dash off again---
   all this happens
      whether I’m there to watch
         or not

but I wonder  
   if they are as happy
      performing for my enjoyment
         as I am tallying them up

Liz McFadzean

Photo by Meredith Barnes