The Creek Keeper (Our Eagle on the Cat Point)
I watch as you leave the dock
as you ready for the day
as you say
But there is so much
we have learned from you
your love of the eagles
I did not mean to pry
but I asked your adoptive father
about you, your life
He told me much
of the things he knew
your brother said some things
that I am sure many never knew
They told us of your wars
Your tears about the marriage that failed
the cruel things
that were not true
yet, you impart
a love
we watch as you play with Josh
walk with your wolf
But most of all
are your eagles
your herons
You watch over them
like a protector
and they love you
It's funny
but when I first learned of the things
you did
I thought some one
had pasted your life from others
yet, when the police seek you out
ask for your help
you are there
and others too
you never say no
to anyone in need
I heard of the way
you helped others
protected children
and went alone into the marsh
You live a solitary life
alone on the marsh
But each day you have taught us
more than we would ever learn in a classroom
more than others would show
you have taught us- compassion
inspite of the obivious games
others have played with your life
you still view man as worthwhile
But I remember the day
I met you
you terrified me
Everyone called you the
Marshman
others called you the tree hugger
But those who know you
love you,
creek keeper
for you are as watchful as the eagle
caring like the wolf who adores you
loving, like a father I never knew
How the woman who hurt you
could be so blind
not to see
the man , the father, and the protector
With Jon and I
Charlie and Mike
We have seen the agony
of your being from your son
yet, you live for the days with him
At night we have heard
the songs you sing
as you cross the marsh
We have seen you work feverishly
to free the heron
you call "Henry"
the way he flies over you
following, like the wolf
The eagles know you bear them no harm
the otters
behind your boat
We tease by calling you "Dr.Doolittle"
Yet, your love of nature
of children
and friends
Teaches and guides us.
Jonathan says it's that you learned
from great inhumanity
yet, you teach as we spend each day
so as you can see, our sweet Lee
We have learned more than science
More than humanity
we have learned love,
trust,
The days you came in
your hands cracked , bleeding
from the cold, hours you spent
in the water
the poacher ramming your boat
and yet you felt compassion
for his ignorance
How is it that so many
never know of the man
the father and the gentle spirit
that taught us
as I am sure you have taught others
to love others before self
Creatures, animals
they come to your with their pain
and you work to see them well
I did not mean to write so much
yet , like a father
you helped me through my classes
came to my rescue
and most of all
you listened
So, my dear Creek Keeper,
if you can adopt an eagle, a wolf , and a heron
can I adopt you as my dad
For you have taught
and given us so much
and expect little in return
seeing our dreams
and hopes
you encourage
where others have scoffed
But most of all
we have learned one thing
the gift you give
us, the animals, and everyone you touch
is one from the heart
Love,
we Love you Creek Keeper
