Prospect Park

As I entered near Park Circle strolling into this
          
19th century preserve I can only marvel at the

work of Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvert Vaux

-the magic of the flora and fauna existing as a parallel

universe in the borough of  Brooklyn.

I cross a paved road dodging bicyclists, skateboarders,

and joggers, suddenly thrust into the 21st century

then walking along the bridal path with fresh deposits

                     of horse  manure until I encounter this wondrous                       

lake sunlight dancing on the surface while mallards and

geese take flight and seagulls soar and dive for fish.
 
A pair of swans approach the shore gliding gracefully

in unison along the still waters these snowy white creatures

in sharp contrast to the small brown ducks wading near the

edge of the lake.
             
As I glance up near a fallen tree limb an egret is perched

flapping its immense wings, a solitary figure, almost regal,

along side other avian wildlife that occupy this body of water.

When stirred the cacophony of honking and screeching

echoes across the park as the sun sets along the horizon and 

shadows cross the lake and trees are silhouetted-the green

reds, and orange tones fade into grey and black and it’s
  
time to leave.

By Alan Braverman