POEM BY ED NORTHEN
PHOTO BY JOHN FINNELL
I saunter along the river’s edge
listen to the water flow
over colored stones
when I see a Dipper
standing on a rock
in the middle of the river
flexing its knees
bobbing up and down
almost comically
until it dives under the water
its stone-colored body
navigating with great skill
the liquid terrain
perusing the rivers bottom
feeding on insects.
Most of the migrating birds
have already departed south
like New Yorkers to Florida
but this resolute bird
will stay the winter
and be my companion
as I take winter walks.
After gathering a meal
he returns to the rock
emits a virtuosic song
which surprised me
when I heard it arise
from such an unassuming form
instructing me
in the practice
of giving thanks often
with gratitude
for life’s gifts.