Dedicated to the wonders awaiting nature worshippers in Florida’s Everglades, and South Carolina’s Pinckey Wildlife Preserve and Savannah National Wildlife Refuge.

~Swamp Waters~

Placid murky waters beneath blazing sunset glow;
moss draped trees host majestic heron and graceful crane.

Towering saw grass rustles softly in evening's welcomed breeze;
raucous bullfrogs and chirping crickets fine-tune echoing chorus lines.

Rickety wooden dock plumbs obscure depths below;
where wily, keen-eyed alligators feign blissful slumber.

Nimble cranes stock lapping shores for an evening meal;
frantic tadpoles and fishes seek refuge midst lily pads and hyacinth.

Pea green algae drifts along languid swamp pool currents;
stealthy water snakes glide through rippling waves while green tree frogs scamper with lightning speed.

A thundering splash midst a brushy thicket;
throngs of birds take flight as death’s stalking silence reclaims control.

Yes, drawn to dock’s edge where danger lurks below;
nature’s timeless waltz renewed.


---C.G. McGovern-Bowen
4/26/04 Hilton Head Island,
South Carolina


©Carolyn Gale McGovern-Bowen 2004. All rights reserved.