Stoic Hunter?

Who is more stoic
than the Great Blue,
stealthily enduring
rocks and rapids
to catch the day’s meal?

Appearances, however,
have been known to deceive…

seems this bird is no emotional
void, no paragon of strength,
but a closet thespian – caught him,
mid rehearsal – aspiring
to a phantom role –
of the opera variety.

(Written for Manic Mondays 3 Way Prompt: stoic.  Inspired by this Great Blue Heron photographed at the falls at Hog’s Back Park, Ottawa, On.  V.J.’s challenge this week is irony, so forgive me for injecting a bit of humour into the scene.)