Reverence for Earthen Things

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Quietly, I walked along the pine needled path as a pair of larks serenaded the morning sky. They trilled from branches high in the trees until I sneezed from pollen flying on the breeze. I'd beg their pardon, saying I meant no harm but quickly they flew away, filled with alarm. A tear on my cheek for the havoc I'd wreaked as I knelt 'neath the shade of an ancient oak, bowed my head so as not to provoke its ire. I felt the sun on my nape, the heat of its fire daring not to move from it and into the shade. I stayed beneath the bowing limbs, praying as summer's stifling wind had them swaying... until sweat ran in rivulets down my back. It was not humility for nature that I lacked, for I held great reverence for earthen things, mosquito hawk wings, wildflowers, and the trees that tower over me. My legs were numb as I succumbed to pain and sat upon that needle strewn path until a gentle afternoon rain fell from the clouds. Until the larks returned to take a flutter wings bath in puddles. I managed not to laugh aloud and disturb their forested refuge once again. I sat quite still, and they began to trill in song, glancing at me now and again with forgiving eyes. Or perhaps it was a look to criticize my presence.

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Arthur Vaso

Date: 4/2/2024 11:43:00 PM

I am always at a loss for words when complimenting a poem, I am too absorbed in enjoying the poem! :)

Sara Etgen-Baker

Date: 4/2/2024 4:54:00 PM

Lin--your poem was delicate, reverent, and filled with humility. Your imagery made me feel as if I was alongside you experiencing your emotions. I can identify with the feeling of wreaking havoc. I so often feel that way when I explore the nature trails near our home. I don't even like to disturb the bunnies who come to our driveway to eat the bird food the birds have flung onto the ground. Thank you for your delightful poem. hugs, Sara

Tania Kitchin

Date: 4/2/2024 3:47:00 PM

Lin, a beautiful poem, nature should be honored and respected, love how this is portrayed in your poem.

David Kavanagh

Date: 4/2/2024 2:30:00 PM

At one with nature Lin, doesn’t happen very often, not being a city dweller like myself, but you capture a special moment here quite beautifully and poetically, I’m sure nature is aware of itself, and who knows possibly us as well when we stop to admire it, great to see you back posting again, cheers David

David Kavanagh
Date: 4/2/2024 3:50:00 PM

Hey I know that feeling only too well Lin, and it’s good to take a break now and again, helps recharge the batteries when we lose a little interest in the soup

Lin Lane
Date: 4/2/2024 3:43:00 PM

Hi David. I'm not sure what I set out to capture after the first few lines... perhaps nothing but as each line was written, I saw something else in my mind that prodded me on to the next verse. I thank you so very much for liking this one and for the kind words that welcomed me back. I just lost interest for a while and hope I can renew it in being part of PS.

Daniel Henry Rodgers

Date: 4/2/2024 8:39:00 AM

Dearest Lin, your poem stirred a reflection within me. Your words create a beautiful picture of our delicate relationship with nature, highlighting our admiration and unintentional disruptions. I love the interconnectedness we share with the world around us. I also loved how your lyrical imagery evokes a sense of humility and respect, urging us to tread lightly upon the earth. Lin, this is a beautiful piece of introspection. Blessings, Daniel

Lin Lane
Date: 4/2/2024 2:27:00 PM

Hi Daniel. Your reviews are always a pleasure to read. We don't consider the delicate balance of nature often enough or Earth wouldn't be in such a sad state now. I appreciate your references to the imagery I described in these lines and thank you... most humbly for your constant following of my poetry. I've been lacking in reading the poetry of others in the past 2 weeks and hope to catch up.