Loxahatchee

Thankful for a northside guardrail along the steep canal bank; traveling
an empty road stretch punctuated only by vultures eating the dead

A farm or two, a quarry; we are past the point where ordinary
homes stand, but soon become aware of much more sky.

We drive and drive until finally a sign says "Road Ends",
park in the rocky, sandy lot; then climb upwards and

Are blown away by the beauty of this edge of the Everglades;
a brilliant vision in beige, yellow-green, and blue water

White clouds of astounding silence surround our amazement
interrupted only by the occasional airboat.

Hallowed land for devoted fishermen and a fabulous white heron motionless on a tree branch;
how have we existed nearby for a dozen years or more, and never seen this?

                                                        by Karen Bressner