It's Poetry Friday, and Jan Godown Annino is hosting on her website, Bookseed Studio here! She's brought us a poem from far away, a paean to our dear earth, something to keep close, to keep well! Thanks for hosting, Jan!
I know that you all may know these words from Tolkien, and yet, they are ever in my mind.
“I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo.
"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
You may know that wildfires are in numerous places here in Colorado, some continuing to rage, no diminishing in sight. They are not near Denver, but the smoke is, making it challenging, dangerous for some, to be outside. I miss my usual times, but still have to do some things. This recent time brought a poem out of the smoke!
A Chore Whirrs Up A Memory
finding solace in the everyday
mowing my tiny lawn
my old push mower whirrs me along
I spread the cuttings
like my grandpa showed me
adding free fertilizer
funny how those old words stay
keep me remembering my times with him
how he managed
hard days softly
Linda Baie ©
Dear Linda, Your moment-in-time poem & echoes of your tender grandfather from the once-everyday rotator push machine, take my breath away, Linda. Appreciations for bearing up under the smoke & hopes for fresh breezes to waft it away & cooling rains to snuff out the fires.
ReplyDeleteI certainly hate the smoke, but am so sad for the many who've lost their homes. It is a memory of my grandfather I won't forget! Thanks, Jan!
Delete"managed hard days softly" is such a wonderful phrase. What a lovely memory of your grandpa. There was so much wisdom that generation wanted to pass on to us...and yet, here we are in difficult days again. I hope that we can be as helpful with our words to the young generation as your grandpa was for you.
ReplyDeleteI love your wish, Linda, and I wish that, too! Thanks for your comment!
DeleteEnjoyed your poem, Linda, from its title to its perfect ending. I hope the wildfires extinguish soon. xo
ReplyDeleteMe, too, Tabatha, yet per the news, not likely! Thanks for coming by! I'm off to lunch with a granddaughter!
DeleteI love “how he managed hard days softly”, a beautiful life lesson. I’m glad the small chores can keep you from too much worry. I wasn’t aware of the wildfires. My sister will be in Denver next week to attend a concert at Red Rocks. I hope the air will be clear for them.
ReplyDeleteI hope it will, too, Margaret, and at least become a bit milder. They are fighting hard to put the fires out! Thanks, glad you like that line. It's the way he lived always.
DeleteHoping for clearer air and skies for you and all in your area. I often have breathing issues and continue to wear a mask when the air is not clear, we unfortunately have bad air days in Chicago too. Lovely and tender poem for your dear grandad, sounds like a gentle, kind, and wise person, he probably would've liked my grandfather too, thanks Linda!
ReplyDeleteYes, I've seen your weather, too, Michelle, wishing it will be better most days. Love the idea that our grandfathers would like each other! Thanks!
DeleteLinda, hoping the wildfires and smoke come under control, soon, that's scary. Loved.. keep me remembering my times with him how he managed hard days softly. Beautiful memory and wisdom:)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jill, the smoke is bad, but I am also so sad for those many who have lost their homes.
DeleteMay we all manage our "hard days softly."
ReplyDeleteThe headline in the most recent Burlington Record states that this year's wheat harvest will be the worst since 1965 because of the drought. Hard days indeed.
It's bad all over the state & surrounding ones, sad to write. I'm sorry to read this about that area's crops, too! But, thanks for letting me know, & yes, like my grandfather!
DeleteI hope you see the end of the fire and smoke soon. I love how your Grandpa is with you as you tend to your yard. He sounds like a wise and gentle man.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Janice, we are all so hopeful, & along with all those affected, appreciate the work of the fire workers. I am lucky to have special grandparents & think of them often!
DeleteOh that ending! Love it!
ReplyDeleteSuch wisdom -- manage the hard days softly... Beautiful gift from a grandfather, Linda, and so appropriate for our todays.
ReplyDeleteManaging hard days softly. I wish I'd written that! Nice, Linda.
ReplyDelete