Carol A. Hand
As I greet the morning facing east
the rising sun is momentarily visible
between the tree-lined horizon
and the bank of clouds moving in
Multicolored leaves provide a filter
allowing light and shadow to dance
highlighting gardens and dew-laden grass
The cool pine-scented gentle breeze
kisses my face and graying hair
and sets the wind chimes singing
Rustling leaves on trees join with their own music
Wind-blown crispy fallen leaves clicking on pavement
add counterpoint to the murmur of city traffic
I wish I could share the moment with others
But of course my camera is inside
I stop to wonder
What is this perceived need to share really about?
It’s becoming more and more difficult to blog
Perhaps it’s because it’s harder and harder to hope
Perhaps it’s because my inner reserves are depleted
by so much suffering in the world
and the myopic selfishness so prevalent today
Perhaps it’s because I have too much to do
too many details that need attention
to allow me much time for poetry and music
Perhaps it’s because I know that silence
is often the wiser choice
Words carry power, conscious and unconscious intentions
to enlighten, to inspire, to entertain, to distract,
to wound, to heal, to repel, to attract
May these simple words inspire a moment of silence
to witness beauty with a deep sense of peace and gratitude
***
***
Lovely, Carol.
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Thank you for your kind words, Cynthia, and for writing your lovely new book. I am sure my granddaughter will love it. ❤
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Thanks so much, Carol. I’ll be honoured to know that your granddaughter is reading it.
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Thought provoking, Carol. Thank you.
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Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments, Izzy. ❤
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Carol, your discord and confusion is palpable and one I share when listening to the news…also a very busy life takes one’s attention. Everyone has different reasons for blogging and more importantly for continuing to share here on WP. Your words touch many, I read them slowly, savour them and yes, inspired to stop and reflect. One very good reason to blog…but it is time consuming and when one’s energy is low, not easy. Follow your heart and soul…but always a joy to read your posts, your thoughts and I come away feeling richer. Hugs xx
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Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments and kind words, Annika. I’m deeply grateful to you and send hugs in return. ❤
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Perhaps it’s because I know that silence is often the wiser choice… You are so wise my friend.
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Dear Trace, I so appreciate your kind and thoughtful words, but I truly don’t see myself as wise. I couldn’t resist the temptation to reply with a bit of humor.
“It is better to remain silent at the risk of being thought a fool, than to talk and remove all doubt of it.” (Maurice Switzer)
“The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man [woman] knows himself [herself] to be a fool.” (William Shakespeare, As You Like It)
I send hugs and loving thoughts, dear friend. ❤
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🙂
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I think you would really like this poem by Victoria Safford entitled “The Gates of Hope”. I found it by googling her name and scrolling down until I came to The Gates of Hope/ Stanford Social Innovation Review.
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Thank you so much for sharing this powerful poem, Joan. I’m adding a link in case anyone else is intrigued: https://ssir.org/articles/entry/the_gates_of_hope.
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Wonderful reflections. I like the little log cabin. The way the logs are cut at the front gives the impression that the building is leaning over… !
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Thank you for your kind comments, Sha’Tara. The shed is a fascinating building. I understand it is a replica of a Swedish building, built by the original owners of this house to honor their ancestral homeland.
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The serenity and happiness of your environs virtually envelope me as I weave my way through your words, Carol. May the annoying tumult leave you undisturbed, like droplets of water gliding off lotus leaves, and keep you appropriately energized for everything interesting.
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Raj, it is always a gift to hear from you. Your wise, poetic thoughts are a calming balm that eases my spirit. Thank you. ❤
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yes, deep peace and grattitude, what a beautiful post.
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Thank you for your kind and lovely comments, Paul. ❤
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Thanks Carol…. similar feelings, thoughts, observations, desires, doubts, despair(s). And I appreciate your sharing this, deeply. Somehow, you bring me hope.
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Thank you for such kind and deeply touching comments, Bruce. Your work always brings me hope. ❤
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for some people poetry flows. I had a friend who could produce the most beautiful poetry without even an ounce of emotion vested in it. For me I just cant if my heart is not in it
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Thank you for sharing your important insights about poetry and inspiration, Curry N Node. 🙂
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Sometimes it’s enough to spend time enjoying those moments of peace and gratitude without feeling the need to share them or put words to them – though these ones are lovely.
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Such kind and lovely comments, Andrea. Thank you. ❤
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I love your musings dear Carol. Don’t be overcome by the world and its worries. And you should always find time to write. You are a well spring of lovely thoughts and peace loving practices. This is your gift and it is meant to be shared. Love and hugs, N 🙂 ❤
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Dearest Natalie, thank you so much for your kind and loving comments. Love and hugs to you, too, dear friend. ❤
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You are more than welcome dear sweet Carol❣️❌⭕️
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A beautiful, heatrfelt poem… “Perhaps it’s because I know that silence is often the wiser choice”: I think, most times it is… but how about written words?… maybe they are placed in between silence and spoken words 😉 Please keep on sharing your light…. Love & best wishes 🙂
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Thank you so much for your thoughtful, lovely comments, Aquileana, and for sharing such profound insights about the “in-between” nature of writing. 🙂
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Carol-
It has been some time since I read your blog. Because, as you describe here, my reserves are also depleted and I must often shift into survival mode.
I so appreciate your words and wisdom. They are like rations for the soul.
All the best-
Marahu
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It is such a gift to hear from you, Marahu, and reconnect. You are such a gifted poet and so inspiring. Thank you so much for your kind words. ❤
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Reblogged this on Mary Clark, Writer.
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Thank you so much for sharing this, Mary. ❤
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