Every dawn the heron eagerly awaits the arrival of caïques - Greek fishing boats
Circling time and time again, he watches as they tie up at the water's edge
As the men leave their boats he lands on one, and then another and then begins to gingerly step over another half a dozen as he heads towards a lone fisherman
Within seconds sits on the rudder and waits and watches
as the fisherman goes about cleaning the deck
Eventually, he is rewarded - white bait for “proi-no” (breakfast) - fresh from the Aegean Sea.
Once satisfied the heron flies
off - gracefully circling the lake three times
before disappearing into the golden
light
The fisherman tells me this dawn ritual has been going on for years ....
.... always at the same time
and always on his boat
The fisherman then disappears into a nearby cafeneoin
which
smells of
fresh Greek coffee and Assos cigarettes ....
.... no doubt another ritual which has been going on for many years.
The simple pleasures of the heron and the fisherman are so enriching!
Wonderful where alike friendship is possible.
ReplyDeleteIt was magical to watch in the golden light of the morning Robert. An amazing friendship!
DeleteYour words are as graceful and golden as the heron and the sky - love
ReplyDeleteThank you xx
DeleteThank you for sharing this story and your beautiful photographs. I am sure the fisherman would love to se e them as well.
ReplyDeleteBises,
V
When I return I shall certainly show him V - the ritual will continue - of this I am sure. F x
DeleteWhat a lovely tale! At Lake Macquarie we used to have a 7pm pelican who without fail swooped onto the jetty.
ReplyDeleteWe have herons in the fields here - I love their patient gazing. I also love the cafe aroma at the end of your story! Xcat
Thank you - oh to photograph a pelican at 7 am - that would be very special. Fx
Deletelove this tale Francesca, I'd like to have a familiar heron too!
ReplyDeleteSharon
x
Thank you Sharon - I was blessed to have witnessed this every morning for the 10 days I stayed in a hotel overlooking the lake - magic!
DeleteWhat a beautiful story Francesca :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you Cathy F x
DeleteLovely story, Francesca!♥
ReplyDeleteThank you Eva - it was a magical time. F xx
DeleteHi Francesca, just stopping by to say how delightful your blog is. I have recently found it and am now following you. Hopefully you will follow me also. Hugs, Chris
ReplyDeletehttp://chelencarter-retiredandlovingit.blogspot.ca/
Hi Chris - lovely to have you on board and certainly - popping over to you now! Thank you and have a lovely day F
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