“… the lead bird isn’t an alpha bird, he explained, it’s just the one that assumes temporary wind duty, and when it gets tired, it flies to the back of the pack, where it may straggle while regaining strength. “If you’re the guy in front, you can only stay there so long,” he said. “Recovery may take awhile.” In the meantime, a new bird moves in.

“The Goose that flies at the back of the pack is just getting some rest”  by Mary Schmich

https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2012-11-09-ct-met-schmich-1109-20121109-story.html

 

The Caboose

(On seeing geese fly in “V” formation)

Ahh. It’s my turn.
Not that I regret flying in the front;
I’m tired.
There’s less to do now
More to be.
There’s less to say now
More to hear.

I relish the sacred energy of the “V”
That carries me now,
“wind duty” done.
Such is life and death
And life again.

c. Rita H Kowats 3/14/2021