Overlooking Wonder:
Missing the Forest for the Trees

Without reflection, with Nikon spotting scopes,
two birders clad in camouflage prepare
their tripods on a grassy shore, with hopes
to sight a Northern Harrier or some rare
Pacific Loon. Beyond the marsh, downrange,
where many ordinary waterfowl
are taking wing, a small pond glints. Their strange
assessment: a silhouette is on the prowl.
While staring through fixed lenses, they adjust
their focus to some form in that direction.
They plant their feet against a steady gust,
attending to some technical correction.
When done, they swear they’ve marked an Iceland Gull
behind the blurring of an obstacle.



copyright 2002 Gregory Perry