Grateful,
I listened to the sounds of water
on the first day of summer
the steady gentle pattering of rain
on leaves and earth –
so welcome
after many dry days of wind and heat
from the unrelenting glaring sun
Patient,
listening to the increasing pace of rhythmic knocking
as heating water bubbles struck the sides of the teakettle
before the steam arose in an ear-piercing whistle
Peaceful,
transported through time to childhood memories
of the tinkling gurgling brook that taught me to sing
and the power of the roaring waves coming in from the sea
and the hisses as the water rushed back to its home
Contemplative,
sounds once heard that cannot be forgotten
though they bring nostalgia tinged with sadness
knowing how little regard we have shown
toward the oceans, rivers, lakes, and brooks
that have continued to share the essence of life
along with the songs of the water they carry
*
*
Acknowledgements:
Reflections inspired by my summer reading:
Rachel L. Carson (1989). The sea around us (Special Edition). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Aldo Leopold (1966). A sand county almanac: With essays on conservation from Round River. New York, NY: Ballantine Books.
Although I wish I had read their work decades ago, I am nonetheless grateful for the interesting path my life has followed.
*
I love that bridge. 💖
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Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Anne Marie. I could see why when I read your most recent post with a photo of the “new Souris Swinging Bridge.” 💜
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I did learn to love bridges once they built the NEW Souris Swinging Bridge. I always notice them now and many call out to me!
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😀 💜
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For some unknown reason, I have not received your posts. But here I am! Got one in my email! xoxoxoxox
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It’s so good to hear from you, dear Trace. I have been offline for a while – too much work between teaching, house updating, and gardening, and a computer that needed repair. Sending my best wishes to you! 💜
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Rain drops, like gold, dropping from the sky.
Nowadays, it’s such a welcome sight
Such beautiful words Carol
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Ah, such lovely, poetic images, Eddie, and kind comments. Sending my deep gratitude and best wishes. 🤎
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So good to hear from you! I’m still trying to get myself to write…..
I love both writers. I think I found both in middle school, surely that is anomalous….
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It’s so good to hear from you as well, Michael! I hope you, Jennie, and Nori are all doing well. 🤎
I found myself wishing that I had read Carson’s work in elementary school, although her uncritical acceptance of truly invasive, destructive, and thoughtless methods of “research” and “development” may have influenced how I saw and understood the world and science at an early age. I remain grateful that I kept my critical view of dominant views of life, spirituality, and nature. The beauty, depth, and sorrow of Leopold’s observations broke my heart. I am glad that I had many years to enjoy nature before taking time to finally read such an eloquent portrait of nature which has been sitting in my bookcase unread for so many years!
Now, I’m reading Naomi Klein’s book “Capitalism vs the climate.” I’m not sure yet how to weave these works into the classes I will be teaching in the fall, but I am even more determined to do what I can to raise awareness about the seriousness of the issues we are facing and the need to begin working together toward changes at the local level.
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Beautiful, Carol… ❤ Sharing!
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Thank you so much for your kindness, Bette. 💜
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Gratitude. Patience. Peace. Contemplation. I’d do well to spend more time in their fold. You’re an inspiration, Carol.
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You are an inspiration, too, Peter – passionate, adventurous, and deeply committed to the well-being of feathered and four-legged relations. 💜
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Hello. I read The Sea Around Us a few years ago. Fantastic book. It’s brilliant.
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Nice to hear from you, Neil. It is an amazing book. It’s even more incredible that it was first published in 1951 yet there is still so little public awareness about the importance of the oceans.!
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