golden landscapes

bold herons find skies for southern flight 
pressing beyond the scraping teeth of night 
fighting violent winds to brave harsh plains 
staying true to course, despite wind and rain

over badlands, where ancient predators roamed
trusting primal instinct, though far from home 
past prevailing peaks of thrilling heights
under steadfast stars, beckoning with light

persisting on in unlikely terrain
knowing it’s worth the strife and pain
the herons endure the harrowing ride
to golden landscapes on the other side