Landscapes of Acadiana

Inspired by the currently undeveloped back half of Moncus Park, which was once horse pasture for the University of Louisiana.

On tall grass warmed from eastern light
the morning dew beads oval drops
as herons cease their morning flight
to break their fast between the stalks.

Across the field a sole tree stands,
with leaves aglow in hues of gold,
above the grass it towers bold
a monument on pasture lands.

The emptiness on which I gaze
for horses here no longer graze,
the tree alone above all stands,
the eminence of prairie lands.

The blackbird sings a cheerful song
reminding me I’m not alone.
Although the mares have long since gone,
the tree remains for times to come.