Coot, Duck and Two Geese

Reviewing old photos I remember the morning of April 11, 2013, as I drove from Cleveland Heights to Schweitzer Marsh, arriving in a heavy fog shortly before dawn. The fog that enveloped me was oddly reassuring as I watched colorless forms slowly revealing themselves.

This image is a contemplative scene from that morning. If one enlarges the photo, a mallard flanked by two geese can be discerned. A solitary coot lists slightly to the left in the foreground. None seems particularly anxious to begin the day.

For me, this morning was an unexpected gift of diffused light, solitude and solace. I had come to the marsh before dawn to reflect on my father who had died on April 11, 2006. As I look back on that morning I have to think my father had something to do with the way I continue to see the landscape. And, one might imagine he had something to do with presenting the opportunity.

Year: 2013
Location: Schweitzer Marsh
Collector’s Edition of 10
Dimensions: 11" × 16.5"