After years of drought
I drive through ranch
gate, rejoice to view
pond flowing full.

Manly mallard bobs glossy
emerald pate to impress
beautiful brown mate.
He skims the surface,
leaves a rippling wake.

Above meadow soft clouds
rest in bachelor-button
blue sky. Beside oaks
and boulders, dear deer
graze fresh grass. I tiptoe
toward them. One lifts
her head, poses for me
to take photograph to
memorialize moment.



Previously published in Avocet, Spring 2023