I read him Mary Oliver’s luminous words
in bed at night, perceptions written
nearer her end and yes there is sadness,
his eyes well uncomfortably,
who wouldn’t wish (were it possible)
to turn away from the degradation
of nature loved with the whole
of our hearts;
The loons on Goose Pond, circling
around us with crimson eyes, echoes
of their haunting cries tattooed
into memory, early morning and dusk,
nine chicks that year and two adults
and one would be hard pressed today
to hear a single pair if lucky,
human encroachment into nesting areas,
refusal to admit error in bulldozing
sacred spaces for greed and profit,
filling wetlands, giant killer bees
building, harmony absent, drones
taking over the hive,
and what are we, if not complicit?
None are blameless;
It seems a lifetime ago, smoke cannot
pour itself back down the chimney;
opportunity now lies in discovering
wonders of a pine forest far
from lake or ocean.
I must ponder more deeply
the meaning of water.
A beautiful poem, Bela. You have definitely traded an abundance of water with a flourish of tropical growth for a dry, parched land lacking both water and jungle. Hope the transition has been one of learning and not of regret. Take care.
Thanks, Renee! And before Hawaii, I lived on lakes in eastern Maine for over 35 years. But we also lived in this area for a year in the midst of all that, and appreciated it for what it is when we decided to return. The wide open vistas and abundant trails through National Forest lands are a gift. So much of Hawaii is privately owned by the rich, and crossing their magical lands requires a bit of illegal impetus. We got tired of that. Always somebody trying to kick us out of somewhere, always somebody telling us what to do about our dogs. This suits us just fine. Though it does take getting used to! Thanks for your sweet comment! 💞
The new abode looks cosy, all ready for the colder months. Love the chair next to the window, that’d be my spot!
Oh, Eliza! Those first two photos were of our Maine cabins! The chair was in my office’s waiting room. People loved coming there! Second was the bathtub in our house. The latter two are of a shed on the property here and the woods around us. I will one day share some photos of the remodel we’re doing inside here. And you bet I’ve got a nice comfy chair right next to a window overlooking a mountain and an enormous Ponderosa Pine! xoxob
We all need to rethink our relationship with water. And complicit, yes…
But you have much beauty around you. (K)
Your new landscape is magical in its own way ❤️ Having lived in Hawaii and all over the country (military brat) you can find beauty almost anywhere, but there is something about the ocean that personally fills my soul. I spent all my summers back home on Edisto Island SC. I could stare out at the ocean and see the universe staring back. Now I live on 76 acres in the Okanogan Highlands of Eastern Washington State surrounded by mountains and trees. It’s a magical place. I do miss the ocean though. Your poem was inspiring, Bela❤️
Thanks, Sue! Eastern Washington has its own beauty. My daughter lived in Walla Walla for awhile so I explored some and will again. Also loved visiting Joseph and Wallowa OR. And you are right, every place has its own beauty. And we have been so fortunate to live in several places with extraordinary beauty. This is the only place without significant water, though we do have a stream flowing well most of the year. This has been a record dry year for this area into Santa Fe as well. Thus the ponderings on water. Bless! 🙏❤️
I love your poem, Bela….as you know — the same concerns about the environment…earth/Gaia.
Glad you’re enjoying the beautiful scenery there — will be looking forward to more photos. 💗💕
Thanks, Betty! And yes, I do know we share that and likely more 😉 and now, perhaps Gaia will have a chance, or at least less damage done by our own country. So relieved! 💞
Relieved, indeed! It feels like a huge weight has been lifted, though we still have to get through the next 2-1/2 months. But the healing has begun. 🙏🌞❤
Yes we do. And yes it has. 💕