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I Stand Here In Awe

I stand here on the viewing deck, marveling as they splash, these birds of prey, creatures at play. Dipping feathered wings in Boardman’s Pond, two blue herons engage a wood stork, to amuse the camouflaged barred owl. Raising my land-confined feet from the pine deck, I huddle on a wooden bench, embracing my legs, wishing instead I had wings to spread. Oh, to join the frivolity, become one with bald eagles circling overhead, national symbols of majesty that patrol the flocks. Come to me at night as slumber liberates fantasy. Share your gifts so I may soar, viewing towns, nations, continents. Devoid of ego, I linger on this autumn afternoon, envious of their endowed freedom, gifts granted by God’s design. I stand here in awe of flight. *Written October 8, 2018

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L. J. Carber

Date: 1/21/2019 9:53:00 AM

I like this--- maybe because I too have always envied birds their airy freedom (my favorite dreams as a child were the 'flying dreams' where I could soar like an eagle!)

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 1/21/2019 9:57:00 AM

Yes, those are my favorite dreams too, L.J. Sometimes I still have them. A counselor told me dreams of flight reflect a desire to break free of something.

Constance La France

Date: 11/28/2018 10:07:00 AM

Carolyn, so beautifully written, I am in awe of your skill ~

Mark Peterson

Date: 10/21/2018 6:14:00 PM

I once wrote: "Alone and left to contemplate, had I a pair of wings, I’d fly away and search the world for the peace of wild things." Your poem speaks to such freedom of which we can but dream. This is so beautiful, and I am witness to the birth of joy and all thanks to your lovely pen.

Gershon Wolf

Date: 10/19/2018 12:40:00 PM

I sit here in awe, having just read an awesome write! Bravo, Carolyn. So nicely done. Best wishes, Gershon

Mockingbird Stevenson

Date: 10/16/2018 6:16:00 PM

This made me want to run around the park with my arms out like an aeroplane. Such a beautiful write. Thanks for sharing. Smiles, H x

Rico Leffanta

Date: 10/15/2018 5:27:00 PM

Airline personnel know flying is not everyone's cup of tea, so it is another "eye of the beholder" issue. I swim on my back in the ocean because I enjoy watching Fairy Terns (live in Siberia, come to Hawai'i for the winter) soar above me with their endless love for flight, yet eyes so sharp they can pluck a 7cm fish from the ocean to feed their chick. So soaring with keen eyesight is a big plus, as you have captured. Aloha! Rico

Charles Messina

Date: 10/10/2018 6:43:00 PM

One day we will all grow our wings, until then, keep on writing beautiful poetry like this Carolyn! Just beautiful...Charlie :)

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 10/11/2018 12:44:00 PM

Yes, it is my hope that eternal life will give us wings -- perhaps just the ability to soar above earth in our minds. That would do! Thank you, Charles

Joanna Daniel

Date: 10/9/2018 10:27:00 PM

A nice flight taking fantasy, Carolyn:)

Susan Ashley

Date: 10/9/2018 7:51:00 PM

Your poem is deeply beautiful, Carolyn. Your poetic thoughts and feelings about flying dovetail with mine, both when watching birds and also with the exhilaration I feel when I fly in my dreams.. Splendid poetry! Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 10/10/2018 6:58:00 AM

A counselor told me flying is a common theme in dreams and it represents a desire to break free of something in our lives that is weighing us down. Glad you could relate and thanks for the visit!

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 10/9/2018 3:23:00 PM

This is really nice, Carolyn, and I like the way you organized it and ended with that concise most fitting line!! Thanks for visiting me recently. Sorry I have little time for answering emails. My life is a soap opera (but I am just a minor character in it)

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 10/10/2018 7:07:00 AM

Hoping that "soap opera" has a happy ending for all. Thanks for reading!

Paul Callus

Date: 10/9/2018 1:31:00 PM

This is a beautiful poem...a longing to fly above mortal restraints. I wrote a Tanka on the same theme once...I too was filled with 'envy'. Hugs & love ~ paul

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 10/9/2018 4:41:00 PM

Just imagine how different our lives could be if we could fly. In dreams, I sometimes move my arms like wings. Perhaps it is only natural to envy the skills we cannot have. Thanks for the visit, Paul!

Daniel Turner

Date: 10/9/2018 11:51:00 AM

Who hasn't wanted to fly at some point in life. When I stand on top of a mountain and look down, it is almost like flying. i think life would be more enjoyable if we were all carefree. A most enjoyable read, Carolyn. Good luck!

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 10/9/2018 4:42:00 PM

Your poem about the sights and sounds at the water's edge reveals a poetic and somewhat carefree spirit, Daniel. Very impressive!

Arthur Vaso

Date: 10/9/2018 2:37:00 AM

of me? LOL just kidding. I really enjoyed this poem, so very beautiful!

Arthur Vaso
Date: 10/10/2018 2:12:00 AM

Just teasing and yes I came back to read tbs poem again!!

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 10/9/2018 11:17:00 AM

But always in awe of YOU, my friend! Thanks for visiting my page.

Duke Beaufort

Date: 10/9/2018 12:01:00 AM

Carolyn, I took flying lessons and it changed the trajectory of my life for the better. Birds are special since they fly easily and don’t need an FAA certificate. However, flying for us changes our perspective. This is now more easily obtained using drones with a camera view. It’s also less dangerous.

Duke Beaufort
Date: 10/9/2018 5:21:00 PM

Flying dreams suggest a lot of emotion and strong feelings. It is a very special kind of dreaming. Most people do not have these very often. You are very fortunate to have them. They are a lot of fun to think about and interpret.

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 10/9/2018 11:17:00 AM

Wow, a certified pilot is among us! Flight is my favorite fantasy and the subject of many dreams throughout my life.

Kevin Shaw

Date: 10/8/2018 5:02:00 PM

Hello Carolyn, a wonderful descriptive poem, you stood in awe, I was flying, loved it, regards, Kevin xx

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 10/8/2018 11:34:00 PM

Whenever I have lucid dreams -- the kind in which you know you are dreaming -- the first thing I do is fly. The feeling is incredible. Thanks for reading, Kevin

Tom Cunningham

Date: 10/8/2018 3:38:00 PM

Lovely verse Carolyn, Wouldn't it be wonderful to have wings and see the things you have mentioned. Tom. P.S. Welcome back.

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 10/8/2018 11:35:00 PM

Thank you, Tom. It's nice to see my friends here again. If I could fulfill one fantasy in this life, it would be to fly.

Chris Green

Date: 10/8/2018 3:23:00 PM

This was beautiful Carole. Very freeing and uplifting. Nature is like that and when it comes out poetically and wonderfully like your poem, it is even more beautiful.