It was cold and rainy this last Wednesday, now warmth is back and clouds have traveled on. But on Tuesday it was sunny and in the mid-seventies and I went walking at a favorite lake. It was such a day that in April, we would all be saying "almost summer"! This visit was rewarded with many geese, out doing their own version of sunbathing, also dunking in to grab a bite, nearly all squawking and talking, at least I imagine they, too were loving the sunshiny calm day! Here's a pic:
And then, the sun went behind a cloud as I walked around to the other side, and there was the loner. I imagined all kinds of things, mostly his wish for some peace, like all of us! Or, perhaps he wished, like Frank Sinatra, to do it "His Way."
a tanka
the raucous gaggle
pushes me into a glide
quieter water calls
for sunny meditation,
returning slowly
Linda Baie ©
Linda, thanks for sharing the ups and downs of Denver weather. The meterologist this week also shared the highs and lows in Denver. You seem to have a similar volatile weather report as we do but ours is without snow. Thank you for sharing the peaceful gathering at the water body. The loner seemed to have the right perspective: just be and relax while the other geese were involved in socializing. Have a wonder-filled weekend seeking small observations for us to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteoooh, I love that "quieter water calls" it gives the whole verse a lift.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carol & Linda, still now warming up. I'll return to the lake to see what's there now! Enjoy your Friday into the weekend!
ReplyDeleteSuch a contrast in images, your poem captures this more meditative mood well! Thanks Linda, for offering us a humor-like sense in your first photo (perhaps a duck convention) and centering calm in your poem and second image.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michelle! It was quite a lively gathering! I might choose to get further away, too!
DeleteSo lovely, Linda. I can identify with the loner seeking a little peace. Glad you had a good day for a scenic walk!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jama, this is really a strange time. Our weather the next week will be in the 60's! I'll return to the lake sometime soon, see what's going on now!
DeleteLinda, I love your observation of the geese and nature and thinking the "loner" wanted a little peace. I recently wrote an article on Medium.com about how one can survive a cruise when one is an introvert! It's possible. We all need some alone time! We're hoping to see some mid-50s this week. It's probably the best we can do before next May.
ReplyDeleteThat's is funny, the thought of a cruise survival as an introvert, Carol. I guess everyone, even animals, have their unique ideas. Thanks!
DeleteLinda, it is so interesting to ponder what animals might be thinking. I wonder what was on the mind of the lone goose that required time for private contemplation. Fun to consider! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI see so many amazing things that animals can do that they may not use our language but do communicate numerous emotions, and with speech, too. Now you've made me wonder more, Tracey. Thanks!
DeleteBeing alone can deliver solitude as your tanka poem suggests, Linda. You have captured this moment so well from your acute observations and applied it so well, Linda.
ReplyDeleteLove "raucous gaggle"! And your lovely, calming photos.
ReplyDeleteLike the lone bird, we need our version of separation from the crowd to regroup and renew. Love the images and how peaceful this day feels.
ReplyDeleteThank you Alan, Marcie, & Margaret. It is a special place I love visiting, mostly always brings a surprise!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and perceptive as always, Linda - after a week with this adorable new puppy, I can relate to the appeal of a few minutes on "quieter water"! ;0)
ReplyDeleteA wise goose, to flee the "raucous gaggle" for some solitude. Love his poem ;)
ReplyDeleteLinda, you brought some peace along with your loner--quiet waters yes please. You know this poem as well, don't you? https://www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/poem/peace-wild-things-0/
ReplyDeleteLinda, how fun. Love the sweet loner going its own way. And the best part that this scene encouraged you to write a tanka from its perspective. I love the line: "for sunny meditation"
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the peacefulness of your poem, Linda.
ReplyDeleteFinding a spot for "sunny meditation" away from the "raucous gaggle" sounds like a perfect plan to me! Thank you for taking us along on your walk, Linda!
ReplyDeleteI'm always rooting for and identifying with the loner, separate, observing, meditating, being. Thanks for your post, Linda :>)
ReplyDeleteLove your speculation on that loner, Linda. I have an affinity for the introverts among us, being one myself, so I get the need for quieter waters. :) What a beautiful day you had!
ReplyDeleteEveryone and everything needs a little solitude from time to time! Thanks for sharing this peaceful tanka. Love "raucous gaggle."
ReplyDeleteYou were like that goose, finding a bit of peace. Nice little poem resulted. Wishing you more nice days like this one.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much to everyone. I've been busy celebrating a family member's birthday. Still warm but no lake loner today! : )
ReplyDelete"sunny meditation" -- sounds wonderful, Linda!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Anastasia!
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