The Observer Effect

While driving
on a quiet country road,
in a state unlike my own,
unbounded by ocean waters,
I paused,
arrested by the reflection of the moon,
and stopping the car, I crossed the road
and stood beside a fence,
my camera poised,
vaguely noting
what might have been a great blue heron,
hunkered down on a log below,
and thinking I was just imposing
images from home upon the scene
until the click of shutter
alerted him to my presence,
disturbing his peace even as I captured mine,
and as he flew away,
I silently apologized.
Must what feeds me come always
at the expense of another?


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