Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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In Anticipation of a Partial Solar Eclipse. The early morning sunlight gently flooded my savannah-surrounded pond. Many native shrubs, planted three decades ago, Flaunt their ornamental red clusters of mature berries. Suddenly a rapidly flying cloud crosses the area, then back again-- Rapid movement of a hundred wings, Completely coordinating the mass of airborne bodies; Flashes of light-toned feathers, juxtaposed with soft tan; The flock reels and twists in difficult gyrations. Suddenly a meeting of two California natives--bird and plant. The swarm quickly lands, covering the ornamented shrub, Quickly devouring the coveted energy-filled fruits. Then just as quickly, the mass of fluttering wings Rises up as an elevating cloud and flashes onward. There will be in an hour or so a much anticipated solar eclipse, But what just occurred outside my window Is just as wondrous, manifesting yet another natural phenomenon. May we all remember that minor 'miracles' appear often right beside us, And that we must learn to marvel at the huge as well as the miniscule. In my case here, it was the blending of two native beings-- One, the plant, the Toyon ornamented with nutritious fruits, And the other, our wonderful, attractive and vivacious, Cedar Waxwing. Frank Maurer 8 April 2024 1000 Hours.