Rainy Day in the Mangrove

Challenges abound

Synchronizing efforts and destinations

Aboard a tandem kayak

Sitting in a pool of brackish water

Grey clouds blanketing overhead

We enter the mangrove tunnel

Camera in hand

Ready to snap any birds

Who might be silly enough

To stop by on this chilly Florida morning



Arriving in the dark of predawn

Certain the sky would open up in flames of beauty 

at any minute

precisely as forecast.

We paddle through the mangrove tunnel 

Within five minutes

The grey sky darkens menacingly.



I draw my camera under my tee shirt

As the clouds begin to empty 



Drops now pelt down upon us,

Sadly, I reach for the dry bag

The camera goes away.



The water filled seat

Is getting harder, colder

I push my life jacket beneath me

We paddle on

Any animals present in that mangrove forest

Are likely getting a good belly laugh

At those crazy humans.



Laminated map in hand

I attempt to navigate

But within our group of 4,

There are as many opinions as options

As to how to  maneuver through the maze



Tom suggests I put down the map

And just enjoy the ride

See where the water takes us!

Released from the chain of expectation

I am free of worry 

 I go where the water beckons. 



The sky clears

Well, not totally

But the rain stopped

My arms and paddle silently shout

Look!!  Stop!! Hush!!

A really big bird in amongst the trees

There he goes . . . 

We paddle on

Around the next corner

He is waiting for us

Perched on a branch above us

Unconcerned

The Great Blue Heron!

His eyes are fixated on the water below

A wading bird

Of majesty and beauty

A treasure found in the mangrove forest



Raining on/off

Wet now – not caring

Watching, waiting

Free to explore

In this world of nature.



We laugh

We paddle

We carefully step out of the kayak

Amongst the mangroves

Shifting our weight, 

Stretching our legs.



Two hours have passed

How did that happen?

My soul is singing with delight

This is my happy place

But it is getting colder, darker, wetter

Our journey takes us out of the maze

And we head back



But more excitement lurks high overhead

An osprey on her nest

We move to mangrove’s edge

Lodged within the roots 

I snap picture after picture

When I hear a rustling sound

There beside me is a Little Green!

She is making her way across the roots

Head down – fishing

Seemingly unaware of human danger

I watch in awe and joy

Thank you, Mangrove Forest,

For sharing your life with me!





Patricia O’Connor

2024