The Breeze of Understanding

            I think what Corrigan wrote about nature and poetry being spiritual practices was spot on. Personally, when I’m out in nature, I feel very different. But, I think it’s very important that we make a point of being aware of the various aspects of what makes us feel that way. Things like slowing down, calming down, developing awe, etc. These are things our body and soul yearn for, especially when we’re out in nature, but our mind has to help them receive it.

            Circle B was beautiful. As we read the poem over, I noticed two parallels in particular between my environment and the poem.

• “Gusts of a pacific storm . . .” As we read this line, quite the gust of wind blew threw our area.

• “Topsoil: going fast.” Without realizing it, I had begun to gently sift through the leaves and dirt with a small stick as we read this passage. I had just been considering how easy it was to lift the first inch or two of soil from the ground. It made clear sense how easily topsoil could be “going fast.”

            After that, I began to drift and think of how everything in my life seems right when I feel a breeze rustle through the trees on a cool and overcast day. Nothing could have improved my mood, save solitude, or perhaps a single close companion. Listening to that breeze whistle through the trees, and Hass’ words really put me into a stress free place. I thought we would have a chance to write some nature poetry, and this is when I began pondering what I might write. Unfortunately, as a class we never got around to it.

I may or may not have gone ahead and written some poetry.

Ok, I did. Here it is:

Such a breeze of understanding

Such a gust of sweet serenity

Scarcely strength to keep me standing

If that I could always see

Tasks’ harsh shackles broken loose

Contractions in my mind released

Nimbly wind unknots my noose

Uncertainty’s despair is ceased

Hear the trees: they whisper mellow

And reassure a new awareness

“And my troubles?!” I do bellow

The trees say, “Be a little careless.”

I try. Be as still as stones

And feel the world around me

The breeze puts a chill in my bones

Then I am filled with free

I’ve done some walking about at Gator Creek. I usually take a camera with me. Here are a few of my favorite photos . . .

Purply flowers

Yellow and Orange

Orange Pod

Argiope