A White Crane Performs
By Armando Ortiz
A white crane stands on a hill
practicing tai-chi with the onshore flow
a performance as old as time
Feathers, filled with static energy
rise among the swaying orange poppies
that cover the ancient midden
A coastal gust lifts her wedding dress
she carefully steps over a branch
raising a black leg, keeping balance
A solitary figure
patiently searching
stealthily approaching
Neck swaying like a hypnotizing arm
emerging from the drying grass
creeping above the dune
Grey clouds block the sun
its body a snake above the brush
critters scurry, others motionless wait
Feathers flutter like tiny silk flags
flowers shudder at the waiting moment
the salty breeze reaches the hill
It meditates on the mound
Kali preparing for a dance
tall grass bent by the wind
The predator spirit repeats a pose
a Noh character on Nature's stage
the present moment becomes eternal
