A Thanksgiving Near Effluent Waste Ditch
A THANKSGIVING NEAR EFFLUENT WASTE DITCH
I
So thankful for this effluent waste ditch
that separates new neighborhoods from home
of people that I met when I would roam
the peace I find when I’ve grown up a stitch.
So thankful for these early morning walks
to observe a family of ducks through life
when they are not troubled by manmade strife
to raise a family here in yellow stalks.
Along the Cattails grown amongst this waste
once stood a Heron tall silent and still
two birds of prey sit stoic as statue.
A moment tuned to fine poetic taste
effluent waste enough for winter fill
a goose breaks ice and stands up brave and true.
II
A grateful meeting with coyote friend
who follows slightly ahead of my steps
to approach Swann Lake with final respects
coyote lost in brush our friendships end.
Every morning he waits by the path
once down the way by tall reeds with a limp
to chase the birds as a devious imp
near frozen bend a natural bird bath.
So thankful for our meetings in the cold
the moment his eyes will interlock mine
as still as icicle in bitter snow.
So thankful that coyote is so bold
when moving beyond this “Walking Path” sign
where effluent waste always seems to flow.
III
Along this waste define a grateful heart
by following a family of duck
who live in ditch and home they will construct
the couple walks at dawn for morning start.
From last winter upon neatly trimmed reed
the Mallard led his wife along this ditch
along slow-moving wastewater and switch
for shelter here is everything they need.
On every walk they move and they grow
to plan their family as they take walk
they stop to look upon a place to nest.
This effluent waste ditch is all they know
outside ditch in tree is silent Fish Hawk
to be a witness myself I am blessed.
IV
So grateful for this manmade concrete path
that follows where my feet have walked before
thankful for effluent waste ditch splendor
near frozen bend a natural bird bath
a songbird nests nearby to share a song
though situation may not be the best
remember the need for a meal and rest
remember to find a place to belong.
Maybe today coyote will visit
so thankful for a friend to walk this ditch
so thankful for one more day on Swann Lake.
I feel November every minute
along slow-moving wastewater and switch
where gusts of North Wind finally break.
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