when it's blue o'clock in the morning, predawn mist thickens with birdsong: geese honk their way to the marsh lake where open stretches of water still hold the evening stars and ducks drift among cattails and lilies, catching a squeem of fish rippling up through dark water ... the shoreline is alive with herons and terns and the land beyond the water's edge rolls with kettles and eskers, drumlins and kames, home to the harrier, plover and coot in that moment a first burst of sunlight sluices through pines, stiffening in the wind, I am like the lake, still mirroring the dimming stars, whispering welcome to light that has journeyed so far to meet me.
If you see a small school of fish moving quickly underwater, grouped together so the bodies look like a sort of amorphous silvery gel sliding along, that’s a squeem.
This had me at blue o'clock and just got better and better with so many wonderful words and names. A squeem of fish! Marvelous.
Thank you, Jonathan !
I plan on stealing every one of them words
If you see a small school of fish moving quickly underwater, grouped together so the bodies look like a sort of amorphous silvery gel sliding along, that’s a squeem.
I had to google, like, ten of them.
Frankly, even if I hadn't to-would I know? I forgot all...
“I am like the lake” and “squeem” !!!
I love “squeem” too 😄
yeah, I'm definitely stealing that one :)
That is lovely. I wish I lived THERE! All we have in the city is a squeem (what a great word I shall use forever more) of traffic.
Traffic passes quickly in an amorphous blur? Having lived in Los Angeles and environs I can relate to that.
It still does out here in the wilderness of L. A.
Beautiful, I loved it. Keep writing and make our day..
I love this piece, Paul, as I absolutely love those early morning moments! You've captured this moment beautifully!
Thank you, Rich!
This is all feeling and stars
Feelings and stars should be there for us always, Patris-Thank you!
Yes - and thank you for reminding us Paul. A poets true vocation, yes?
All writers, I think.
The best ones
This whole poem took me back to the many times and places I’ve camped all over our great country. “Blue o’clock” . Lovely.🥰
Thank you so much!
Lovely phrase “at blue o’clock”! I wish it were mine! It would be perfect for my Substack!
Take it and use it, Diane. It’s free!
Thanks, Paul! 🦋
Paul this is wonderful! I grew up on a very large lake and this took me home 🥰 love it!
Glad you connected with it, Pamela! I think everyone has a place like that.
Those last tree lines ... love you!
Thank you, Berkana!
Those last three lines.... loved this Paul!
Thank you, Reena - That’s my favorite moment in the piece.
So marvelous, I have no words. That is a rare moment for me.
Thank you, Stanley!
Call me Stan.
Will do, Stan!
This is such a fine poem. I've read it many times. The images & lines are amazing. Thank you, Paul!
Thank You, Karen-Much appreciated!
The lines & images in this poem are amazing, blow the top of my head off. Thank you!
Wow
Thank you for restacking!