EGRET, HERON, CRANE

The three birds often got confused because of their similar traits and appearance – yet, each of them has its own part to play in nature. But what happens, if someone asks those proud creatures, who is the best?

This poem is ABACDCEFE

Egret, Heron, Crane

by Grexxen (08.01.2026)

Once upon a different time in a distant place
a legendry pond was called home
by three birds of highest praise.
Mighty were the Egret, the Heron and the Crane -
in dancing feathers elegant,
beauty and skills the same.
Peacefully they coexisted on the waters pure.
Each of them a living myth,
of valour strong and pride mature.

As the lakelet's lush and lavish could be shared in equal thirds
never had emerged a quarrel
between the lordly long-legged birds.
Thus, they thrived on splendour served at their feather's flap -
until a distant looming shadow
accompanied a nearing thunderclap.
DODON! By a violent downpour sudden heralded a coming change
when the nearby river's course
thrashed towards into lore realm’s range.

During the apocalyptic flooding that soon had followed
the birds fought valiantly
not to be drowned nor swallowed.
What a dreaded night it was and a long one it has been -
for so much water and devastation
the pond has never seen.
At the early morning light the aftermath laid barren.
But with nature's wrath begone
unscathed were the Egret, Crane and Heron.

Although their homesteads had been ravished by the storm
the three had fixed their gaze
on a living silhouette out of known norm.
Approaching the pond's centre from each one's direction
they uncovered their invader
to be a majestic fish of endless perfection.
Floating, adorned with thousand tiny diamond scales,
it reflected their feathers
in rainbow attire with its fine fins and sails.

Hungry from the chaos, delicious it was reckoned.
But before their beaks took turn
the Fish spoke, "Wait a second!"
In utter shock of talking food the birds retreated aghast.
Their curiosity and hunger true
led them near again at last.
It continued, "Mighty lords of ancient tales, hear my honest plea:
In my fate I only acknowledge 
to be eaten by the best one of you three."

"The best is I", exclaimed the Heron, "as you can see.
The ancient blood of Egyptian Bennu
is running divine through me.
Around the world I am a symbol of nobility and luck.
Wherever I am glimpsed upon
my followers are awestruck.
Even a motion picture carrying my image and name
had been rightly awarded so
and skyrocketed my fame.

"I do confess", interrupted the Egret, "people look a thee.
But the only reason is
‘cause you look strikingly similar to me.
I am revered for my white feathers associated with peace -
while medieval castles had been named
after me soaring with ease.
Even on a global scale people can't get their fill.
For I am the guardian deity
on the currency of Hungary and Brazil."

"Brethren, please", said the Crane, "let us not be foul.
It is clear that I am better
than you raven heart and fowl.
My complex calls and mating dances are of epic renown.
I am a namesake for construction
building to tallest towers in town.
Millions of papers had been folded to resemble my shape.
A thousand pieces they are doing
and I grant a wishes full agape. 

"My feathered friends - I mean my plumed sires,
Hearing your accomplishments
no one ever tires.
Yet, it is a conundrum that your feats alone
can not determine
who deserves the feathered throne.
Therefore I propose", the Fish grinned, "a contest of skill.
Prove your resolve
that you want to eat me from fin to gill."

The Heron, Crane and Egret in their high pride's prime
agreed to test
who stands on one leg for the longest time.
Seconds passed, then minutes, hours and even days -
Yet, none did falter.
Forever stern each legged pillar stays.
After an insurmountable long period of muteness
they started arguing
that there is no end to their resoluteness.

Another draw was decided to the Fish's joy and fortune,
but wary the birds got
longing for an end to the stand-off soon.
The cunning guest to the pond made one last suggestion
since it did not want to end up
in their final digestion.
"The ultimate bout befitting your graciousness in style:
Proof who finishes first
a race across 500 of a mile."

No word later the Crane, Egret and Heron took flight;
Flapping their wings
in boom-bursting might.
Gliding on updrafts and nosedive to increase speed -
It was a head-to-head
for all observers that could heed.
Over mountains and valleys and rivers the soared.
Exhausted but elegant;
to lose none could ever afford.

Closing on the finish line, the air in front they started to peck,
But Herons and Egrets
fly with an S-shape of their neck.
The Crane however stretches straight as a mighty arrow
and gained victory
in this contest by a margin narrow.
In light of the contest it is believed to this very day
that this is the reason
for Cranes flying this way.

The winner was declared right where they rested
for Egret and Heron acknowledged 
that they have been bested.
"Brethren, I thank thee. But during all our toll
I realized that sharing
worked always and for all.
Thus, let us enjoy the jewelled fish together as one."
But after the equally long way back
The fish had already long been gone.