Hello Gentle Readers. Thursday I saw the first juncos of the season. The small gray and white sparrows with pale pink beaks have returned to brave the cold and wind of winter. This afternoon when a partly cloudy sky carried the promise of a brighter blue, I made a cup of tea and threaded a needle to finish this little piece. I stitched one more star in the upper left hand corner.
It's been a hard few days. I am deeply sad over much of the election of last week. If you disagree with me, I hope you keep reading as I continue to read blog posts of those with differing opinions. I'm listening to you with respect.
Kamala Harris is a thoughtful intelligent gracious leader. She has accomplished much in her life. Although I wouldn't ask her to do more, I have no doubt she will find ways to continue her work. Some of my sadness comes from the loss of possibility. When it comes to the potential of women and persons of color, the loss of possibility is a too often told story.
For now I'm following the lead of Krista Tippett and looking for what stitches us together. My hope is that we find away around bitter division and the "us vs. them" mentality that dogs both political parties. Maybe, just maybe, this is an opportunity for a shift in thinking. Maybe together, we could find a different way. I have no concrete ideas on how to do this. Still, I choose love, hope, and imagination. I have children and grandchildren and can do no less.
Wednesday I went for a walk on the edge of town and was reminded by a poem I wrote at another time of loss. I put it away for awhile but it is finished enough to share. The work is copyrighted and it is illegal to use it without my permission.
November on the Prairie
On this day heavy with autumn's hinge, I need to breathe in the wind, taste the grit feel tears created by dust in my heart.
Under yellowy sunlight of an old woman's hair, I wrap brown and gold around my shoulders. Inhale the prairie's wisdom.
Song of white throated sparrow leads me through tall dry stalks, then disappears.
Away from the blustering world I lean into the upward grade each breath a season, each sound a lullaby that rocks me home.
Jane A. Wolfe
copyright, 2024
May you find your way home in this blustery world.
I love your poem. As you know from my blog post about the election, I have a lot of uncertainty about the results. I am trusting that God is in control, and will try to be kind, loving and compassionate, knowing that others are also worried and many profoundly disappointed. I hope you have a good week.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your beautiful words, Jane. Like you, I hope that we can come together despite our differences and build a better world for our children and grandchildren.
ReplyDeleteThe words of this post and your poem are a balm for my spirit, Jane. Thank you. I am not certain how there can be this great "come together" when so many have such hate in their hearts. Our school is closed this morning thanks to "credible threats" to the students and staff there.
ReplyDeleteI know when I open a post that you've written I will feel a sense of calm and peace, and that's exactly what you've brought about. I have to work on dealing with my own us vs. them-ness and view them simply as human beings. I do feel the loss of possibility and the amount of misogyny was staggering to me, but better to deal with things the way they are than wishing they were different. Thank you for your words, Jane.
ReplyDeleteAnother beautiful post and poem. Thank you so much for sharing these words Jane. I would add curiosity to the list of things I am choosing.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jane, for this lovely and thoughtful post. Your healing words are a balm to my weary soul. XO
ReplyDeleteI love your poem ....I read it a few times...and your thoughtful words and comments.
ReplyDeleteYour poem is beautiful Jane, as is this blog post. I, too, wish and hope that we (all of us) can find a way to come together with respect and kindness towards all. I find it exhausting to see so much hatred in the world. I want to go back to a simpler time when folks could agree to disagree, but still live peacefully among each other.
ReplyDeleteomg I love your poem and your way with words! Gorgeous and soothing and ever so hopeful.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this and the link. Very thoughtful and touching. The phrase “Loss of possibility” will stay with me.
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