Land of Living Skies
by Belle Schmidt
In the fall, the skies of Saskatchewan
become a backdrop for Canada geese
as they execute their dances and drills
over flat land and rolling hills.
Their flapping wings flow like
the cadence of waves, rising and
falling, fluctuating in tune with
a silent beat over fields which
lately held ripe wheat.
Feathered elders, the geese
converse constantly, inbound
and outbound, in a language
confusing to the earthbound.
With honk-honks filling the blue,
the harmonic flight oscillates,
and heads south bidding us adieu,
following its instinct to migrate.
The familiar “V” breaks, flinging
one side into a long outstretched
arm, leaving a shorter side with
stragglers flying wide.
Like the Snowbirds aerobatic pilots,
they group and regroup to give a
spectacular air show, oblivious
to the spectators below.
The canvas of Saskatchewan skies
presents a gift of beauty and peace:
a seasonal, living art show with
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