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Sacred Gratitude

Sacred Gratitude Rockin and Rollin inside my soul Beckoning musical notes float within me My heart surrenders and opens Expanding When the world outside dances in tension Feeling bleak and unforgiving I am grateful to receive Simple nuances of pure magic Breathing into my being Allowing a journey to the place Between here and now Standing in dense forest I approach one of the gentle giants Her redwood bark burned and blackened Fires and history tattooing her skin Fury red growth emerging Her new coat of velvet delight Limey baby branches Make their way to the air Thirsty for light A deep hollow near her base Where I can walk inside Blackness..soft spongy bark Touches my fingertips A dreamy pause Almost silent An internal space Quiet gratitude as I look up.. up..up Hundreds of feet to a circle of light Glimmering above Sunlight trickles in Kissing my eyelids Diamond dust reveals Her burnt underbelly I stretch my arms up high above me Sliding them into the sleeves Of her gigantic branches As I become her Arms...limbs full...stretch.. radiating Rising up ...my head tall Viewing nature’s mesmerizing tapestry Woven yellows and greens Meadows, springs, water lapping nearby Echoes of bird calls A white snowy owl lands on my limb Quiet gratitude as I see her blink Her wise old eyes Rotating her white feathered head Counterclockwise so she may see The entire circumference Of her surroundings Oh dear owl Sister of the universe I hear your silent whispers Feed my soul with your insight and wisdom I am grateful for your guidance As I journey through subtleties Of acceptance, challenge, and bliss Arriving at compassion For life and for others

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Linda Alice Fowler

Date: 11/13/2023 5:19:00 PM

An magical write Susan. I am enchanted by its earthy, Celtic mien. The snowy white familiar is a welcome presence. A fav for me. Thank you for sharing. :)

Susan Lawrence
Date: 11/26/2023 8:56:00 AM

Hi dear Linda, A belated thank you for your comments. I love the words you used to describe ! Thank you for your fav and fir your presence! Hugs, Susan :)

Paul Bell

Date: 8/6/2023 8:28:00 AM

There is a gratitude to be around nature. To think how long that tree took to grow and still growing. Good to say hello and be part of it.

Susan Lawrence
Date: 8/7/2023 4:33:00 AM

Hello Paul ! Yes, many trees live hundreds of years. It’s a wonder to be a part of their history and touch such an ancient being ! Thank you for your visit Susan :)

Robert Lindley

Date: 7/23/2023 10:59:00 AM

My good friend, perfect imagery presented in this very ravenously beautiful new creation! "As tho' the goddess touched the earth. The evening wind sang a beautiful rhapsody. The pretty fairies danced for all their worth. And we listened at such a enchanting melody."" Your richly masterful poem is a fav... God bless.

Susan Lawrence
Date: 8/5/2023 7:21:00 AM

Dearest Robert , Your comments on my poem are a poem in itself … one I want to read and read again . I am so thrilled and delighted at your response. Your words are magical and received with gratitude and pleasure . A big thank you for the Fav. You are a gift ! Hugs and blessings, Susan :)

Deb M

Date: 7/20/2023 1:50:00 PM

What to say Susan that hasn't already been said in all your wonderful stream of comments! I was simply taken on a magical and very beautiful poetic journey! Just lovely….Debx

Susan Lawrence
Date: 8/5/2023 7:18:00 AM

Dear Deb, I am thrilled you could embark on this journey with me ! Happy to glide along with you ! I appreciate your presence . Hugs, Susan :)

Bill Baker

Date: 5/5/2023 9:41:00 PM

Amazing poetry, Susan. The imagery and the depth of feeling are transfered into the reader that is able to understand we have the ability to feel oneness with all living things. What a bless to come upon this poem today, as I need a refeshing of my soul. Thank you for sharing your compassion for others with us. This goes on my FAV's list. Write On my friend! Bill

Susan Lawrence
Date: 5/6/2023 4:00:00 PM

Dear Bill, Your presence and gracious comments are cherished. Thank you for these kind words and the honor of your fav. I am so happy you stopped by today to refresh your soul ..in your words. That brings a big smile to my face. You are an inspiration with your passion and emotion. Blessings, Susan :)

Susan Ashley

Date: 4/23/2023 9:00:00 AM

Oh dear Susan, my sister in the Universe, how deeply your poetic expression touches and affects me as I become the redwood with you. I reach up, in gratitude for your profound poetry, for Nature's wisdom and gifts and for the experience of becoming one with your transcendent essence of love and compassion. Your words are the roots for my heart's imagination to grow, stretch and radiate! Your verse enchants the poetic page and its magic sparkles into the depths of my soul. Sublime and divine! May the whisper of white wings find you with my warmest wishes.. love and hugs to you, my precious friend.. ~Susan

Susan Lawrence
Date: 4/28/2023 3:03:00 PM

Oh dear Susan … Your words make my heart smile and my soul sing out . Thank you dear sister of light and sound and all things magical . Your poems are such an inspiration to me as you sail through time and space like no one can . Your depth of consciousness always amazes me as do your journeys through many lifetimes . Always in gratitude for your kaleidoscope of precious gifts . Hugs and love and all good wishes to you flying on the breeze of white wings . Susan

Smita Kulkarni

Date: 4/15/2023 2:20:00 PM

Magic of purity in nature!! Very beautifully described Susan!

Susan Lawrence
Date: 4/16/2023 8:52:00 AM

Dear Smita , Thank you for your visit to my page and for your lovely comments! So happy my poem resonates with you ! Susan :)

Anne E Sangster - K

Date: 4/13/2023 9:36:00 AM

Wow this is so beautiful Susan and completely resonates with me! I am thoroughly enjoying reading your poems. Hugs ~ Anne :-)

Susan Lawrence
Date: 4/19/2023 3:02:00 PM

Hi dear Anne! thank you. So very happy we have connected here on Soup ! I am happy this resonated with you. Looking forward to more of yours soon! Hugs, Susan :)

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 4/6/2023 9:24:00 AM

Mesmerized by this write Susan, your poems will venture into centuries to come -a brilliant coming together of you and nature and natural wonders that some of us take for granted. Your redwood giant, I also entered the deep hollow near her base, magical poetry. Hugs and blessings, Jennifer.

Susan Lawrence
Date: 4/10/2023 3:09:00 PM

Jennifer, So humbled by your comments and grateful for your presence . What a gift you are! Thank you . Thrilled that you could journey with me again through the nuances of life . Wonderful to share words and thoughts and nature and heart with you . Big hugs and blessings, Susan :)

Timothy Ray

Date: 4/1/2023 4:12:00 PM

such a deep, deep walk into the woods and wonderfully executed....as one who live in the Redwoods you have done them honor with your quill....you bless your calling

Susan Lawrence
Date: 4/5/2023 10:33:00 AM

Dearest Timothy , Reading you lovely comments make me smile . The Redwoods have always mesmerized me ever since I was a young girl and walked hand in hand with my parents through their beauty . In gratitude, Susan :)

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 3/22/2023 12:35:00 PM

I love this wonderful write. I wish you would write more. We need to be Thankful. Have a blessed day writing away.......................

Susan Lawrence
Date: 3/24/2023 10:42:00 PM

Thank you dear Paula ! I appreciate you ! Blessings , Susan :)

Kelly Deschler

Date: 3/20/2023 10:23:00 AM

It sounds like you are so in tune with the world around you, Susan... Perhaps the rest of us should follow your lead and achieve such peace for ourselves... Wonderful writing, as always, dear friend!

Susan Lawrence
Date: 3/24/2023 10:41:00 PM

Thank you dear Kelly . I appreciate your visit and insight and heart ! Such a treat to have your presence here . Hugs, Susan :)

Malabika Ray Choudhury

Date: 3/14/2023 5:33:00 AM

Dear Susan, Loved reading this exceptional poem of yours - so magically descriptive with subtle vocabulary, meaningfully deep, emotionally intense! Your poems always carry depth, serenity, sublimity, feeling of oneness with nature - this one is as amazing as your other ones! I was on a long vacation for a few months, Susan - explained in a blog. Love and hugs ~ Mala

Susan Lawrence
Date: 3/17/2023 9:11:00 PM

Dearest Mala, Yes I read your blog ! How wonderful for you my friend . I look forward to hearing some of your music soon ! Thank you for your visit and presence . I cherish your insight and words and comments. Big hugs to you dear one . Love, Susan :)

David Kavanagh

Date: 3/14/2023 4:33:00 AM

You have an amazing eye for detail Susan you see things so small and ephemeral you could say they barely happened at all, nuances and whimsy abound, another showstopper from you, I enjoyed the trip cheers David

Susan Lawrence
Date: 3/15/2023 8:41:00 AM

Hi dear David . I love Your comments and the way you describe the nuances . Thank you for your insightful mind and heart . I aim glad you enjoyed the journey . Susan :)

Pashang Salehi

Date: 3/11/2023 10:19:00 AM

Exceptional poetry.

Susan Lawrence
Date: 3/13/2023 8:53:00 AM

Thank you Pashang. Loved reading your soulful poem just now ! Susan :)

Paul Callus

Date: 3/11/2023 3:57:00 AM

As I read, I get this strong feeling of becoming ONE with nature, Susan. We learn and receive so much from our natural surroundings...no wonder we feel sincerely compelled to show our gratitude. ~ Warm regards & hugs, my friend. // paul

Susan Lawrence
Date: 3/13/2023 8:54:00 AM

Hi dear friend Paul , Thank you for your visit . Happy you could become ONE ! Sending all good wishes . Looking forward to reading more of your magic soon ! Xx Susan :)

Harry Horsman

Date: 3/10/2023 11:35:00 PM

To become as one with the tree, is pure magic, Susan, the sensation vibrate in this wondrous poem...Harry

Susan Lawrence
Date: 3/12/2023 8:41:00 AM

Harry , Wonderful to have your presence here. Thank you for your comments. I remember hiking trough these giants as a very young girl with my parents . I hope your health continues to be kind to you . Sending all good wishes . Stay well dear Harry ! Susan :)

Katharine L. Sparrow

Date: 3/7/2023 10:18:00 AM

I am a tree lover too! They hold such strength and spirit. Melding into the reaching growth of a tree is a lovely metaphor and well done in this piece. Enjoyed this little mystical voyage!

Susan Lawrence
Date: 3/8/2023 6:43:00 PM

Thank you dear Katharine ! Sacred giant trees never fail to amaze me ! There presence is something very special . So happy you enjoyed this journey with me . Susan :)

Michelle Faulkner

Date: 3/6/2023 4:42:00 PM

Love your transformation into the tree, into nature, and the owl, your sister of the universe, so spiritual and renewing~

Susan Lawrence
Date: 3/7/2023 5:18:00 AM

Thank you dear Michelle . The journey is definitely one of renewal through gratitude. I appreciate your visit and lovely comments. Susan :)

Panagiota Romios

Date: 3/6/2023 1:59:00 PM

You have an outstanding imagination ans ways to express yourself., Susan Thanks for this waltz with your inner beauty, Panagiota

Susan Lawrence
Date: 3/7/2023 4:28:00 AM

Dear Pangie , What lovely comments that bring a big smile to my face . Sending big hugs to you dear one . Susan :)

Sara Kendrick

Date: 3/6/2023 7:05:00 AM

There isn't enough gratitude in today's world for sure. I enjoyed reading your thoughts about the word and what it means. Thank you for sharing and for dropping by my page. Sara

Susan Lawrence
Date: 3/7/2023 4:24:00 AM

Hi dear Sara, always happy to see you ! Thank you for your visit. I am so happy you enjoyed my poem . Susan :)

Sotto Poet

Date: 3/5/2023 10:07:00 AM

Superb writing, Susan. That was something that I really, did enjoy. A gathering of close companions takes place on the outskirts of a little forest. Listening to tunes, taking in the aroma, and gazing in awe at the beautiful images are all components that go into making fantastic poetry.

Susan Lawrence
Date: 3/7/2023 4:23:00 AM

Dear Sotto , I am so happy you enjoyed my poem . Thank you for stopping by and for your humbling comments. Blessings to you ! Susan :)

Anil Deo

Date: 3/5/2023 6:00:00 AM

Your last stanza is a powerful poem even if standing alone. The entire package from "dances" of "tension" to Sister Owl and Redwood Elders to "Simple nuances of pure magic" -- you capture the stuff of poetry. PTL .

Susan Lawrence
Date: 3/6/2023 6:36:00 AM

Hi Anil, In gratitude for your visit and presence . Thank you for your lovely comments. Blessings to you ! Susan :)

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 3/4/2023 11:03:00 PM

More stunning poetry from you, Susan. Tomorrow I will be flying back home. It was sure nice being with family

Susan Lawrence
Date: 3/6/2023 6:34:00 AM

Thank you dear Andrea! Travel safely . Looking forward to our next visit . Big hugs , Susan :)

Fin Chuuk

Date: 3/4/2023 7:37:00 PM

WOW! Splendid write, Susan. I really really Enjoyed it. Thank you :)

Susan Lawrence
Date: 3/6/2023 6:34:00 AM

Hi Fin , Thank you so much ! Happy for your visit and thrilled you enjoyed my poem . All the best, Susan :)