Watching From the Edge

We live less than a half mile from the Mississippi River. We love the particular mystery of this great river, stretching from northern Minnesota to the gulf of Mexico.

Parts of the river freezes over during the winter, depending on both temperature and its rate of flow. Usually in the spring, the river rises from melting snow here and further north. But not this year of little snow. Since May, we have watched the river rise from torrential rains here and further north.

Still, the birds that inhabit its banks find life among all the river's changes.

Winter river birds watch from distant,
tree-covered islands and
from bushes beneath
towering cottonwoods.

There they roost
to seek food
throughout long
seasons of ice and snow.

They wait for a first sign of
melting ribbons of water
along the river’s edge.
For now, a place to explore
until broad expanses of ice
show glimpses of spring change.

Then it happens!

Crows flock to land on
edges ice plates.
Still frozen to each other,
but allowing cold, dark water
to be heard and seen.

At least for now,
potential places
for new food.