This week I saw a processional of turkeys—
very grandly and sedately walking up
a steep set of railroad-tie stairs. They
ascended with the aplomb and grace of
a royal wedding party. The mechanics
of their movements so mysterious, smooth
and effortless they might have been
riding an escalator up to scratching-area #2.
Bulbous bodies, tail-feather-fannies tucked,
necks like blue-blistered plumbing U-joints,
look-ma-no-wings for balance—
still, quite effortlessly, the turkeys climbed
steps as high as their feathered chests,
like Irish River Dancers, all movement
confined to the lower body, feet and legs.
The following evening fifteen turkeys from
the flock were roving the block, walking
right up the sidewalks, strolling in and out
of the outdoor entrances of residences
like Jehovah Witnesses come calling.
I love the nature channel! It runs Reality
programming 24/7 inside my house and
outside my front door. I get beauty, drama,
comedy, tragedy and mystery, and all I
have to do is remember to tune myself in.
Ann Keiffer
August, 2010
Photo Credit: Flickr Creative Commons License Jimmy Coupe
