On a muggy, head-achy morning

We were graced by a heron

With its presence two times.

First in the air from the side

Of the dock with a great

swoosh of wings and air.

And later across the pond,

Still like a slender sculpture,

Until it sensed something

Wrong and turned its head

To and fro and then took off.

We were sorry to disturb its

Peace but grateful for its gift.

After the sun burns

through the clouds

and wipes away

a rainy morning,

we venture out

with others eager

to enjoy clear weather

while it graces us

with its presence.

On a walk I see

delicate patterns

in the sand made

by seaweed and shells

as they are dragged

to and away from

the water’s edge,

sea oats gently

waving on the dunes,

pelicans lazing on

a pier, and curling

waves tipped

with white foam.

There is nothing

else I need in this moment.