Yesterday I had a conversation with a friend about how much alone time we need. In a nutshell: More than other people need. Or at least that’s how it seems.

That’s not to say I don’t love people unspeakably much! I think that’s one of the things I love about poetry — and literature of all kinds. It allows us to connect so deeply while also giving us space. What magic!

Anyway, this morning on the trail I came upon this green heron. Sorry for the photo quality — he was not interested in posing or making his presence known. Lucky for him, almost everyone walked right on by. For some reason, herons always look kind of grumpy and hunched to me. Like a grandfather on a bad day. I kind of love ‘em for it, even though it’s probably not true. (Personification has its limitations.)

May you all find the space you need today. xo

Haiku 5, 2026

Grumpy green heron
hides like a knot in the tree
Nothing to see here