smooth night water
gives way to morning stir
ripples form
as the day’s heat emerges  

blue heron
floats down from sky
wings spread wide
swoosh up
soft, gentle landing  

silent footsteps
ankle deep water
keen eyes
breakfast intent
stalker’s pace
statue’s pose
lightning-fast snap  

shiny minnow hangs from long beak
heron throws back neck and head
fish flies up
beak opens
catches fish in flight
gulp of satisfaction  

careful footsteps
lake mud barely stirs
eyes lock on minnow
jolt of beak, success  

heron flies across to nest
ripples cover lake surface
breeze picks up
morning light opens