Tag Archives: shadows

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A Quiet Strength

(internet photo – Ricke)

The past several day I’ve had the pleasure of seeing owls when I am out for my walk. Standing in the space of their presence brings me a sense of joy and calm – a moment to forget everything that is happening in the world around me.

A Quiet Strength

Hope is a great-horned owl.
It is yellow eyes 
that harness strength.
It is open eyes 
that face shadows.

Hope allows you to soar
on winds of change
to leave some old habits
and bring something new 
into your life.

Hope settles 
on a tree limb,
listens, looks
for subtle signs,
sees what usually goes
below your radar.

Hope uses the beauty
of night
to inspire creativity.
Little can stop
an owl once it has set
its sights
on "the prize"

Some Fun Facts About Owls

Owls have specialized feathers with fringes of varying softness that help muffle sound when they fly. Their broad wings and light bodies also make them nearly silent fliers; which helps them stalk prey more easily.

An owl has three eyelids; one for blinking, one for sleeping, and one for keeping the eye clean and healthy.

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Topsy Turvy World 

We're falling down
the rabbit hole
at warp speed
a toilet paper trail
behind us.

The Cheshire Cat 
would be
welcome
as characters
more ominous
than any from Tenniel
enter our daily lives.

The Horsemen prance
in the shadows -
not since the Spanish flu
have so many visions
danced in their heads.
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
Image from the Print Collector/Heritage Images
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Shadows

Slip sliding
on wintry thin ice
trying to gain traction.

Bright pink running shoes
distract
demons
chasing from shadows.

Strategically placed lamp posts
shine
circles of light
down.
Islands of safety
dispersing shadows.

Bursts of fuchsia speed
pump technically clothed knees and arms.
Breath catches and releases.
Heart races faster
than rose clad feet.

Shadows
stretch to touch,
encompass me.
Feet land and ricochet,
bound into next step
straining on slippery surface.

As door closes behind,
warmth of home
wraps me in a hug of familiarity.
Exhausted shoes
collapse on shelf.
Shadows fade
and are forgotten,
for the moment.

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Landscaping

At first glance
I see unfinished business
I want to change it
meet my idea of esthetics and beauty

A barren surface
appears raw, exposed
craggy granite is dusty and open
it makes me uncomfortable
I want to cover it up with
colorful flowers
pretty petals
make it look lovely
attractive
hide the earthy escarpment

Slowly I take time
to really look
really see what is before me

I notice the cacti are not as prickly as they seem
I see unique beauty
they belong in the scene
they must not be ripped out

Moss
lover of shadows
of shade
shies away from bright light
it belongs
With tenderness and care
its place in the rock garden
can be assured too

Bits of color
are dots throughout the stone
some peek out from the margins of the rocks
some create a subtle seam along a ridge
a kiss of gentleness amongst the hard surfaces
a promise of delight

One great rock
is surrounded by many smaller ones
a flow of gravel defines the space
supports the giant in the middle
that punctuates the surface with its presence

I am humbled by the gentle beauty
I had thought to be unfinished business
no flamboyant colors
or exotic flowers
an understated blending of non-descript items
that together
as a whole are quite striking
splendid
just as it is

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Deception

tear
(photo credit: paulocoelhoblog.tumblr.com)

you think your actions are hidden
they are not
you think you are stealthy
your steps reverberate across the plain

eyes see what you believe is unseen
dark shines bright
shadows illuminate

echoes of actions
return to haunt

forgotten splintered emotions
surface
pierce tranquility
draw fresh wounds

tears
briny solution
wash away
remorse
droplets of forgiveness
hint at hope

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Gate Keepers

Pieter_Janszoon_Saenredam_Interior_of_the_Church_of_St_Bavo_in_Haarlem

(Image by Pieter Janszoon Saenredam)

The gatekeepers raise their sleepy heads
They have been dormant a long while
Many years have passed since anyone has crossed the threshold
Their curiosity is more intense than any fear that the visitors
may cause harm

The sentinels observe silently from the shadows
Maintaining their invisibility
They want to take in all they can before their presence is made known
Perhaps they will choose to remain in the shadows
A silent whisper in the corner
Or a large drop dripping off a soaring column

The visitors drop their voices to a hush as they enter the vaulted chamber
They cannot see any sign of life
The gatekeepers are well hidden
Still the transients sense another energy surrounds them
A flicker of the torch
A coolness across the cheek

Walls are looked at with awe
Painted fresco moves and dances in the firelight of the torch
Brought to life briefly with the illumination
Carved sculptures flow smoothly as light and eyes pass over them

The gatekeepers are content to allow the visitors to wander
They are moving with care and respect
Stepping carefully, touching softly
Whispering prayers of thanksgiving and homage
To deities of their own

As they retreat the gatekeepers scan the grotto and see
All is as it should be
Content that all is in order
They allow their heads to droop and close their sleepy eyes

(Inspired after visiting Oude Kerk Amsterdam circa 1605)