Old cattails, browning with age,
bulge in late autumn wetlands.
Erect on stiff stalks,
they persist into winter.
Black-capped Chickadees
grasp the heads with tiny toes.
Hammer the dense cylinders;
brown cigars in the swamp.
They peck and probe
until the cattails explode.
Extract hidden larvae
deep within the spikes.
Releasing fine fibers of fluff
into blustery winter winds.
© 2023 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. 2. 3. Grattan Township - Kent County - Michigan
4. Rogue River - Rockford, Michigan
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