The Scarlet Ibis Vocabulary

burden (n.) a duty or responsibility; a heavy load
imminent (adj.) about to happen
precarious (adj.) not safe, strong, or steady
sullen (adj.) used to describe an angry or unhappy person
iridescent (adj.) shining with many different colors when seen from different angles
vortex (n.) a powerful circular current of water
serene (adj.) calm and peaceful
blight (n.) a disease; something that causes harm or damage
heresy (n.) a belief or opinion that does not agree with the official belief or a particular religion
mar (v.) to disfigure, ruin, or spoil the appearance of something