Herons were the catalyst two decades ago that helped me see my life journey as a kind of spiral, with a central message that I must spread my wings . . .

Photo: Christina Guimond

Great Blue Heron

Tall solemn bird
wades in the water,
wary and wise; slow to startle
or to rise . . .
Now great wings open wide,
pushing off, pulsing high–
long legs lifting, head leading
above the calm lake surface.
Then –sudden, surprising!–
rising to greet the real heron I see
the clear reflection of itself:
shimmering wings respond to wings widespread;
watery body below grey, feathered breast
in moving, mirrored, harmony.
Oh Great Spirit, so buoy me
that I, too, will spread my wings and try
to fly this fearlessly,
knowing that my silent cries
and surge of soul –like heron rise–
shall answered be.

Painting by Rod McIver

Over the years since I first sighted that astonishing heron, and went on to slowly shape and revise my manuscript, The Heron Spirals, I have continually met others who have also been awestruck by their own encounters with herons. It seems that many people feel a similar mystical connection to these great birds, and I am in hopes that this page will accrue many of your stories, photos or other artwork, and your thoughts.

Painting by Rod McIver

Read More:

Foreword | Excerpt from the book

Heron Dance magazine and e-newsletter, edited by Rod MacIver: www.herondance.org

Painting by Rod McIver