Path to peace is circuitous –
having been modeled unrest,
schooled in denial…
Expectation envisions
a grassy peninsula –
gently rolling greens
and tranquil blue waters –
predictability that lulls
I am accustomed to together –
the perpetual state of empathic
measuring – one’s values aligned
to another’s emotional indicator
Looking outward, I contemplate;
force-feed my innards with fluff
of how-to’s and top ten ways –
nothing that sustains…
It’s dawning now that neither
upbringing, nor expectation,
nor the noise of expert wannabees,
will lead me to the peace I seek.
I turn my attention to nature –
study the steadfast confidence
of the Great Blue wading through
darkened waters, intently aware
Like a feathered shaman, he
mesmerizes me, commands respect,
calms the noise and lifts my soul –
the secret is within, his presence
whispers, and for once, I listen.
(This week, I am focusing on living with intent, specifically interested in the ways in which I invite peace into my life. Â My weekly challenge is open to all.)
Fat flakes of snow
fall on my face, my lens,
disrupt focus –
each icy formation
a gentle kiss.
Oh, Winter,
you crafty old man,
winning me over
with the purity of white,
and cold, wet, caresses.
(Sarah S is hosting in the dVerse pub tonight with the prompt: touch. Â Photo taken today on our street.)
Natural beautyÂ
stops the heart, disrupts breathing
instills reverence.
(Photograph taken in Arizona at the Bryce Thompson Arboretum State Park last Spring. Â Modified with Befunky.com. Â Submitted here for Manic Mondays 3 way prompt: reverence.)
(Ronovan Writes Haiku Challenge is breath & unite.)
A familial gathering – rock balanced upon rock – stands at the Rideau’s edge, one amongst several such groupings, each a masterpiece unto itself, and yet one small, insignificant creation begs attention: a small duck-like figure, turned away from the rest, facing north rather than south, as if it hears a different call. Â Even its companion, hesitant, looks back towards the family, for reassurance. Â Body of fossil, head carved by erosion – he ponders other horizons. Even the artist – albeit working with spartan tools – could not bend the will of this little being, could not mold him into conformity. Â He is childlike innocence and brash determination, and I imagine that as the sun goes down and the tourists disappear, he glides through the water, travels against the current and revels in the freedom.
At the river’s edge
figures rise, stoic families
hailing passersby.
(Written for dVerse pub, and for Ragtag Communities prompt: spartan. Â The balanced rock sculptures are the work of John Felice Ceprano and can be found at the Remic Rapids in Ottawa, Ontario.)
Nature’s artistry
inspires awe –
jewelled throats
and iridescent curves
Calming hues
and contrasts
that buzz with
dedicated passion
The vibrancy of wings –
intricate detailing –
orange floating
on unseen hands.
(Lens-Artists Photo Challenge is: small is beautiful)
Elegantly attired, he arrives,
focused on an afternoon feast –
garter snakes hiding in bushes –
hadn’t counted on human presence,
interrogates me with hawkish eyes,
just long enough to be immortalized.
(Written for dVerse, hosted by Lilian, who challenges us to create an alphabetical sestet. Â To find out more or join in, click here. Â Photo credit: V.J. Knutson)
One Woman's Quest 