Here is my mother's poem, inspired by our mutual wildlife adventures:


In My Backyard



When I open the patio door,

I look down at the floor.

Is there a poisonous snake there?

Next I scan the streambank.

Lurks an alligator big as a tank?

When I go outside, I beware.

Mostly I see lots of things

that makes my heart sing.

There's no separation, no fence.

Otters play in my backyard.

Sighting blue herons is easy, not hard.

Living in their midst takes common sense.

Sometimes I stand still as a stone,

blending with the background adapting tone

similar to that of a tree.

Only this way can I see

the beauty of the world that be

right under my nose, wondrously.