Kissing the Joy as it Flies

On my Florida lake, the roar of rain is deafening.
Through a heavy afternoon deluge
The distant shore is barely visible – a dim grayish green.
Five white herons commiserate on the mangrove, unable to hunt.
But in the downpour, an osprey powers low over the roiling lake surface,
Patiently seeking, then spying a tilapia that has risen into the fresher water.
Fish outweighs bird, but this is no challenge.
With effortless precision, the prize is instantly seized.
Fish hawk rises gracefully with prey,
Fades ghostlike into the rain,
And delivers nourishment to two wet nestlings.
The balance and harmony of nature is sustained.

Will Walsh