Its flight path a long and exhausting journey
the great bird returned first to a remembered
forest coupled with its inherited instinct for
self-preservation from the winds and snow of
a northern winter to launch an annual migration
southward. Standing silhouetted in the cool
running waters of a forest stream as though
contemplating survival linked to seasonal
withdrawal, its grey and blue feathers winked
out by the sun's inquisitive rays, it suddenly senses
an oncoming presence shifting through the forest
understory and lifts itself awkwardly from
the water's clinging comfort, legs tucked back
wings outspread, suddenly regally graceful
as it soars above the forest canopy of autumn
coloured foliage, settled in to roost until the
threat has passed, thence to resume its silent
acquaintance with the stream that will be
its home for as long as fatigue instructs the
bird to remain before resuming its journey.
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