In a dearth of mud shrimp,
sea bass, and perch,
herons pick plumage
for parasitic hosts:
vagabond ticks screwed
into flesh between feathers
or yellow grub refugees
that fell from fish scales
and pectoral fins some
days before when glassy water
morphed into mini rapids
thriving—if not choking—
with spawning salmon,
sturgeon, herring, and smelt;
twilight dims appetites
yet herons blue and grey
still wade in shallows, gaze
at November’s Beaver Moon,
patiently wait prospective
nourishment, biding time
feasting on aquatic snails.
An award-winning Washington-based author and educator, Sterling Warner’s works have appeared in literary magazines, journals, and anthologies, including ANTI-HEROIN CHIC, SHOT GLASS JOURNAL, SPARKS OF CALLIOPE, and STARDUST REVIEW. Warner’s collections of poetry include RAGS AND FEATHERS, WITHOUT WHEELS, SHADOWCAT, EDGES, MEMENTO MORI, SERPENT’S TOOTH, FLYTRAPS: POEMS, and CRACKS OF LIGHT: PANDEMIC POETRY & FICTION, and HALCYON DAYS: COLLECTED FIBONACCI (Summer 2022)—as well as MASQUES: FLASH FICTION & SHORT STORIES. Warner writes, hosts/participates in live and virtual poetry readings, and enjoys retirement in Washington.