Heron’s Corner

Hello Poetry Lovers

Clever and prolific poet Dennis Tomlinson has written a beautiful poem about the heron and his admiration for this unique bird. And his deep envy of this creature, which comes over in the wistfulness of this piece.

Here is a picture of Dennis with us in Morecambe

Grey Watcher

Over our jungly garden

a noble heron flies.

I envy him his freedom,

commander of the skies.

With my hunched neck and grey jacket

I look a bit like him

but could never soar above

a world that’s growing grim.

You see him in the heavens

or wading in a stream,

the monarch of the meadows

with eyes that sharply gleam.

He stands still in the shallows,

waiting for his prey,

while I take fright at phantoms

that haunt me every day.

A stately bird, and sacred,

who steps across the scene –

I envy the grey heron,

so patient and serene.

Dennis Tomlinson 2026

A fascinating observation, Dennis. Thank you so much. More please.

Not being a great fan of birds generally, I do find herons very unnerving, but reading this poem made me at least respect them. They are incredible birds.