egrets always are

far away and up above
high on summersun
the egrets of early August 
like white lightning
against the cerulean blue
flying now in 
in loose formations
in family vees
mornings and afternoons
each day they fly
it is the training time
the young are taught
by the elders to be strong
for that time of no return
on that October day
when morning shadows declare
it is the time to return.


1995