Books and Poetry
Flamboyant people
Creative self-expression
Chickens raise the bar
Reena’s Xploration Challenge #300
I. J.’s Birds of the Week Invitation XXXI
Update: I had to link this post to RDP Friday! Funky!, hosted by Martha Kennedy. Love the funky duck, Martha!
You provide a remarkable gathering place
A meetup for my fine feathered friends
Your large bowl and your broad sturdy base
Designed for security lends
An opportunity for vigorous splishes and splashes
Tussling and vying until you run dry
A garden hose of fresh water fills your stashes
Replenished, then in the birds fly
Every season and throughout the whole year
In the backyard you’ll dependably stand
Even at the weather’s most severe
You’ll reliably hold out your hand
Beckoning all who seek out refreshment
Perhaps even a squirrel or two
Unbiased and without any resentment
Serving the many who depend upon you
Birdbath does not do you the honor
Maybe a billabong? Not quite…
Basin, pool, water-bowl may be proper
But none of these names seem just right
The epitome of suburban decoration
Or necessity for homeostasis
Your presence makes quite the exclamation
Affording beauty and a splendid oasis
W3 Prompt #74: Wea’ve Written Weekly’s poet of the week Selma, prompts us to write a joyful ode to an ordinary object, inspired by Chilean poet Pablo Neruda’s poem “Ode to My Socks.”
Magical moonbeams
Shine their light upon the earth
Sea responds in kind
Hiding in the dark
Peeking out from the shadows
I know you are there
Brightest of the bright
In your full glory tonight
Sleep shall elude me
The trees are adorned
By the light of the full moon
Harmonious ease
Stunning harvest moon
Illuminates the cornfields
Oscillating stalks
Sly corn-spirit animal
A wolf that casts no shadow
Written for Colleen’s 24 Seasons Syllabic Poetry challenge.
Listed among Colleen’s kigo phrases for the Autumn Equinox is “corn-spirit animals.” There are apparently many types of corn-spirit animals, including one taking the form of a wolf. The “corn-wolf” was known to cause the corn to sway in the fields. Children were thus warned to keep their distance on breezy days. Additional information about corn-spirit animals can be found at https://sacred-texts.com/pag/frazer/gb04801.htm
This image was taken at a University botanical garden in North Carolina. I love the way the structure appears to be a portal to another realm.
An impromptu cellphone photo of the underside of a pier while walking along the beach. The lighting was perfect to capture the pier’s reflection on the wet sand. Ironically, I lost my phone a few minutes later and by some miracle located it on the walk back!
It was difficult to narrow down to just a few, as birds are my favorite subjects. 😁
The burrowing owl was photographed in a park field in Davie County, Florida. I was looking at the ground, expecting the owl to be inside or around its burrow. Instead, I looked up to see it perched on a fence just over my head, looking at me with curiosity.
This red beauty was photographed at a coastal park in South Carolina. I was certain it would fly away before I got my camera in focus. Especially with my energetic 8 year old niece dancing under foot. Such a cooperative little guy!
Pelicans are my favorite birds. They are beautiful, majestic in flight and full of character. It was difficult choosing among my many pelican pictures… I like how this pelican appears to be a prop to the urban background.
My cat Sammie on the first day I brought him home. He was curious and scared. I was able to capture the little tears in his eyes. He melted my heart…
And still does…
This photo was taken from a tour boat out of Juneau, Alaska. It was a foggy day and everything appeared mystical in an already magical place. This photo really captured the overall feel of the place.
It is difficult to describe why I love this final picture. It elicits for me a feeling of peace intertwined with a sense of longing. The simplicity of laundry blowing in the breeze contrasted by the complexity of the natural world beyond.
Written for Lens-Artists Challenge #268 – Tell Us Why. Thank you, Tina!
I spot you;
Hiding among the flowers;
On your finely crafted web.
Your beautiful colors give you away.
Your size is awe-inspiring;
And your intricate web design is to be envied.
I am so fortunate to have seen you;
But very sorry for the moth that didn’t.
You’re painting me a gingered sky
Though my mood’s best suited for gray
The storm clouds under which I hide
Are all blowing away
Exposed and now uncertain
My protective barrier gone
You pulled back the curtain
And left me here alone
To ponder the gingered sky
Posted for Cee’s CWWC: Any type of Bridge
I was transfixed by the melody
A song I am certain I have never heard
Yet viscerally known to me
I intuited the lyrics before they were uttered
Mellifluous and soul-stirring
Perfectly entwined with my being
And in that moment, I swear we were infinite
JJJ Interactive Books