DRIFTING

Over fifty geese swim, float, or drift

with the waves on this great lake of ours.

It is like a ritual which repeats itself each day.

They stick together, always pooled in a pocket

that all seem aware of by instinct. It is exciting

to watch them and then think of the mother

at Target hollering at her children who are

dispersed all over the place. Her voice is not calm

or reassuring and if anything, enough to make

the little ones seek shelter if only they knew how.

At that same time another mother with six

youngsters was shopping and the children

were politely walking along with her and

listening to her every inquiry. The children

were behaved and knew the mother was

there to protect them. I complimented her

and she smiled and thanked me. I am sure

she felt glad that someone recognized the

control she had over her children. This was

not a daily event, like the geese, so she should

be proud. Too many people are obnoxious

when they go shopping. They change their

mind about some purchase and instead of

putting it back where it came from, they

throw it on the closest shelf. They block the

 aisle with their carts when they stop to talk

to a friend and complain about the prices.

Meanwhile the geese are swimming to the

shore. Their afternoon trip is over. They

probably fed on what was available in the water.

They settle down where they nest for the night.

Tomorrow will be another day they might thing

as they drift off to sleep.

Stanski

July 19, 2023, ^