I met a jovial and big-bellied great blue heron at the University Boulevard retention ponds. His dramatic entrance and reaction from other patrons at the Sligo Creek water bar made me think of “Norm” from the classic NBC comedy “Cheers.” I particularly love the ancient Japanese poetry form of Haiku, so here are my first four tributes to great blue heron Norm:
Great Blue Heron Norm No. 1
Great blue heron Norm
Everybody knows his name
Frosty water, please
Great Blue Heron Norm No. 2
Great blue heron Norm
Swoops down for a drink and snack
Sligo Creek special
Great Blue Heron Norm No. 3
Great blue heron Norm
Sunfish or bluegill swimming
Gulp. The fish is gone.
Great Blue Heron Norm No. 4
Great blue heron Norm
Startled fish in Sligo pond
Primeval surprise
Do you write poetry of any form that you would like to share with us? We’re looking for all kinds of poems about Sligo Creek, the Anacostia River, anything related to the Anacostia River Tributary Trail System, and nature in general. Email us your poems at info@eyeonsligocreek.com today! Be sure to tell us how you want your name to appear and include a biographical sentence or two about yourself. We read everything we receive and are happy to publish anything that fits our mission.
