we always know when hunting season arrives

as flocks of ducks and geese migrate to sanctuary

flying low like arrows

over our roof squawking loud

 

i have heard this is not to announce their arrival

but to encourage on the one who is in the front

expending the most energy in formation

 

‘keep going

you’ve got this

we’re here with you’

they proclaim

 

then they take turns when the one in front

tires and cheer the next one on as well

as they make their way towards places safe

together

 

—lessons from nature

 

Heather Pound 2024

Photo by Charles Jackson on Unsplash