Gathering of Geese

Poem written by Em Meuller, used with permission from the author

This year the Canada geese have come
to the field behind my house.

Through morning frost and wind
that drifts like a desert

they pull at the grass — old men in shul,
davening. They make no noise

huddled in a clump facing north
their backs to the muted sun.

Perhaps drawn by a new patch of
green one wanders a little away

and so slowly I hardly notice

the others follow
nibbling the earth as if unafraid.

When the dog comes barking from the left
they stretch their necks

unfolding like a prayer, their wings
insistent drums.