Counting

 

A large number of Canada Geese

were scattered across the dark water

in the middle of McCarthy Lake.

A skin of ice was growing

from the shoreline to the center.

The geese kept calling to each other

with increasing urgency.

Soon, with a great commotion

of  honking and splashing,

a flock of twenty-three lifted off.

Followed, a few minutes later,

by the clamor of seventeen.

Then, counting rapidly, I watched 41

rise up and noisily leave the surface;

webbed feet beating the water,

feathers spread, beating the air.

Their strong wings carried bulky bodies

up and over the leafless trees.

They skillfully formed a broad "V",

and, sure of their intention, and direction,

the calling slowly diminished.

And now, convinced of their purpose,

they turned to the south,

leaving me at the edge

of the ice-fringed lake,

counting the days until spring.

© 2023 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. 2. 3. McCarthy Lake - Kent County - Michigan