I watch as you leave the dock
as you ready for the day
as you say

But there is so much
we have learned from you
your love of the eagles

I did not mean to pry 
but I asked your adoptive father 
about you, your life

He told me much
of the things he knew
your brother said some things

that I am sure many never knew
They told us of your wars
Your tears about the marriage that failed

the cruel things 
that were not true
yet, you impart

a love
we watch as you play with Josh
walk with your wolf

But most of all 
are your eagles
your herons

You watch over them 
like a protector
and they love you

It's funny
but when I first learned of the things
you did

I thought some one
had pasted your life from others
yet, when the police seek you out

ask for your help 
you are there
and others too

you never say no
to anyone in need
I heard of the way 

you helped others
protected children
and went alone into the marsh

You live a solitary life
alone on the marsh
But each day you have taught us 

more than we would ever learn in a classroom
more than others would show
you have taught us- compassion

inspite of the obivious games 
others have played with your life
you still view man as worthwhile

But I remember the day
I met you
you terrified me

Everyone called you the 
Marshman
others called you the tree hugger

But those who know you
love you,
creek keeper

for you are as watchful as the eagle
caring like the wolf who adores you
loving, like a father I never knew

How the woman who hurt you 
could be so blind
not to see

the man , the father, and the protector
With Jon and I 
Charlie and Mike

We have seen the agony
of your being from your son
yet, you live for the days with him

At night we have heard
the songs you sing
as you cross the marsh

We have seen you work feverishly
to free the heron
you call "Henry"

the way he flies over you 
following, like the wolf
The eagles know you bear them no harm

the otters
behind your boat
We tease by calling you "Dr.Doolittle"

Yet, your love of nature
of children 
and friends 

Teaches and guides us.
Jonathan says it's that you learned 
from great inhumanity

yet, you teach as we spend each day
so as you can see, our sweet Lee
We have learned more than science

More than humanity
we have learned love,
trust, 

The days you came in 
your hands cracked , bleeding 
from the cold, hours you spent 
in the water

the poacher ramming your boat
and yet you felt compassion
for his ignorance

How is it that so many 
never know of the man
the father and the gentle spirit

that taught us 
as I am  sure you have taught others
to love others before self

Creatures, animals
they come to your with their pain
and you work to see them well

I did not mean to write so much
yet , like a father
you helped me through my classes

came to my rescue
and most of all
you listened

So, my dear Creek Keeper,
if you can adopt an eagle, a wolf , and a heron
can I adopt you as my dad

For you have taught 
and given us so much
and expect little in return

seeing our dreams
and hopes
you encourage 
where others have scoffed

But most of all 
we have learned one thing
the gift you give 
us, the animals, and everyone you touch
is one from the heart

Love,
we Love you  Creek Keeper