a taste of water

by bl pawelek

the great blue heron
slows his step
as he walks mechanically
around the lake
one step pause lift leg pause
one step pause lift leg pause
eyes always on the water
for live fish dead fish
whichever
but with a taste of water
before the infinite pause

the close-fisted claws
that glide through the water
the bird and the cattails combined
until the long neck snaps
stretches beyond the fish escape

another moment
satisfied
but the ants of hunger
march on as the sun sets

the water gets darker cooler
and the fish begin the float
taking their chance
making their large bet
the demand of nature and supply

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bl pawelek grew up in western New York and has lived and hiked throughout the United States, Canada, and Far East Asia. Influenced mainly by Edward Abbey and Charles Bukowski, Barry’s writing now spans twenty years. He earned his M.A. in English from Loyola Marymount and has had writing and photographs published in dozens of publications throughout the country. Current writing projects include non-fiction pieces about Eddie Slovik and the Loneliest Road (Amboy Road). Barry recently completed his first novella, “case 11512”. He currently lives in Southern California with his wife, son, and daughter.

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Back to Issue One: Fall 2008