February Afternoon

February AfternoonThe late afternoon sun hung low in the sky, casting elongated shadows across the snow covered fields. A soft golden light bathed the landscape, giving the whole scene a tranquil, ethereal quality. It was one of those rare winter days where the sky was clear and the air was crisp, each breath visible as a wisp of white mist. In this serene setting, the snowy owl began its majestic flight.

The old fence post remained behind

to the light being caught by the petals of a flower

sudden launch—

the water was a mirror

Greater Yellowlegs forage—

painting the sky in shades of deep purple

I caught movement on the periphery of my view

An unbroken sweep of movement merged the predator with its surrounding scene

concentric motion signatures upon the shoal

each wingbeat a brushstroke on the canvas of the cooling air

It had taken this perch for decades

Upon this tranquil stage