a great blue heron stands proud by the pond

strutting delicately through the reeds

each footstep slowly searching for the bottom

minimal movements with purpose and precision

silent stalking at sunrise

once in position he freezes

neck coiled like a loaded rifle

stealthy sniper oozes killing confidence

with orders to shoot on sight

head slightly tilted for one eyed aim

patiently waiting for an unsuspecting fish to swim by

total concentration on his task 

clearing his mind of all other thoughts

meditating in his favorite yoga pose

repeating his mantra

I catch fish

I catch fish

I catch fish

the trigger is pulled

launching his beak missile into the water

its all over in a quick splash

lifting his head up to show off his prize

the fish held tightly in a vice like grip

hopeless wriggles will not free him

a few struts back away from the water

lest his prey should slip from his grasp

it will not swim away on solid ground

ringmaster makes an announcement

gather round for some spectacular juggling

no spectators at the ring today

shaking his head to signal the start his act

flicking the fish skywards

spinning him to line up with his throat

closing his beak at the exact moment

reaching up to straighten his neck

releasing his grip in short gulping bursts 

the fish slides down head first with ease

bowing to the silent applause

the show is over folks says the ringmaster

the one man circus flies away