Under a tiny bridge
linking the path beside the River Yar
to a nearby copse,
a vision of copper and metallic blue
hovers above the shallows.
Executing a smooth dive,
it re-emerges a blink later,
spraying droplets
back into the current.
Head lifted, it carries its catch
to a secluded stitching of branches.
Almost shyly, this jewel-bird
returns to the bank,
gaze hardly leaving its submerged targets.
Quick preen to set feathers in place,
followed by another dip,
another prize.
An everyday fisherman
doing an everyday job,
but to any spectators,
its skills awaken dormant joy:
a sudden connection with nature –
a sweet, natural high –
so electric
it leaves them applauding
for an encore.
This poem is part of a project I’m doing to raise money for the RSPB, a UK wildlife conservation and protection charity. If you’d like to help, please share this poem to encourage others to take joy in nature, and if you have the time and means to donate, you can do so here. Let’s help keep our wildlife wild!
Treeshallow Musings 