Prothalamion (Heron)
Fish Bubbles: “What are You?”
“I am Heron, Fisher-King. Look–At–Heron, Hook–It–Heron.
I am Wrapped in the Hunchback Herald’s cloak:
Shrunk Neck and Lank Specter, I sink into my
Broad Wings, ever Postured.”
Hails Heron in Reply
Poet Ponders: “What are You?”
“I am Heron of the Clamorous Night.
I bag the Moon in my Wide Eye and Pierce
the strongest Current. I am Judge and Executioner,
Famished Bird of Windy Lands.”
Proffers Heron in Reply
River Ventures: “What are You?”
“I am Heron, Broad and Thin. I play Role–Reversal
in the Water. I watch how the Bottom–Dust drifts up.
I watch how Trees Blow, Shadows Fall, and
Sit on the Bank—o, this awful Mastery.”
Hexes Heron in Reply
Zephyr Blusters: “What are You?”
“I am Heron, Red–Water–Stalker, Rock–Shade–Gobbler.”
I am Shadow without a Shadow. I am Thin and Ever–Eating.
I am Heron: Sky–Sailor, Water–Pilot; King of Cloud and Lord of River
Persisting, Persisting, Ragged and Lofty.”
Riddles Heron in Reply