migration

Gathering And Traveling

ascending the ridge
a clustering of geese
search for their formation

leaders emerge
vying for the point position
of their traveling “v”

sustenance for
southern journeys
the sunflower fence in bloom

they belong here
because they are here
a legacy of roots

convening
at the birdbath
migration is debated

monarch and flower
kissed by the sun
one final embrace
before the journey’s begun

the congregation
of monarchs
billows away

robin’s red breasts
against a bright blue sky
spring arrives on wings

headed south
the honking
of goodbye

they gathered at the fence
soon to be
flowers in the field

his work
is his vocation
the duty of pollination

clatter and clamor
news swap and weather reports
before the southern journey

the brook breaks free
and runs for the river
longing to unite with the sea

on still water
geese convene
at the heron nest

In the Northeast Kingdom
monarchs flock to the butterfly bush
before their pilgrimage south to sunny Mexico.