Autumn Flight

Swooping low over raging
water

feathers hurry through November’s
storm.

In the confusion and riding
lake's chilly crest, a
Mallard lays in rocking stillness

wings outstretched and
at rest, no longer part of any
journey south.

Once soaring on season's
flight, raised a family within the
framework of this bay --

he’ll miss returning to the
fragrance of Spring, lifeless
but not forgotten.

© Richard L. Provencher