I’m not sure what is up. There were several comments (20-30) in the spam thing that I was approving and they went away somewhere. A couple things. If someone commented and I did not answer. That is why. I apologize. I so appreciate the time you took to stop by then take the extra step to make a comment. The second thing is that I don’t understand why some of you are needing to be approved after I already have. If someone has any ideas I would appreciate your suggestions. Plato
Day Six: Today’s Prompt: Who’s the most interesting person (or people) you’ve met this year?
When I read this prompt I was not excited. Not because I have not met interesting, meaningful people this year but because I have. And I have already put that energy into a piece I called the Gift. It is about a beautiful soul who I have met across time and space but she is a part of my existence now. There are others who have also become a part of me and I so look forward to reading their work and interacting with them, but she was the first. She is brilliant in her ability to notice things and people who are often overlooked. Her genius is in what she notices and what she does with it. She is open to those who are different from her and she gives them grace. She is ever trying to learn and grow, a woman of courage. She is dedicated to those whom she loves and is fierce on their behalf. I love her writing. I could not do what she does, ever. It is like good bread and the fragrance of fresh cut grass, nourishing for body and soul. Thank you Calensarielfor noticing. And thank you for opening the door for me and introducing me to some of the coolest smartest people I have ever known. She is somebody worth spending your time with. You will have missed a treasure in your life if you don’t stop in and chat with her. Be Groovy!
The poem that follows is my attempt to give her a small token for a debt much too large to repay. The Gift.
The gift was not in Her doing but in being, Herself
I was desolate
Lying still among the debris
In desperation I wrote, seeking
Needing some response, some touch, some signal from the universe
All was void
Perishing for lack of me
Her genius, Her magic lies in her attention, what she sees
Dying ember
Her heart noticed
A bruised reed She would not break
A smoldering wick She would not snuff out
She saw beauty in the brokenness and as a child would She clapped for joy
She did not attempt to brace up the reed or give it instruction
She found wonder in the ember as it was
And as she clapped her hands it fanned a fire
Her mere interest helped the reed straighten it’s Self
Her gift was not in the doing
It was in the being of Herself
And in the recognition of the beauty found in ashes
The remnants of last year’s little garden. Curly kale gone to seed but supplied one last meal. There was some spinach and chicory and a few brussel sprouts left to add to the meal. A fall garden’s last gift to the spring.
I have a raised bed with several different containers that produces food for a little bistro housed within a small winery. The larger containers are 80 gallon fermenters that at one time held wine that I made. Now they hold tomatoes, and cantaloupes, cucumbers, winter squash, and this year some cucamelon vines. The Salvia has returned and the undying, unrelenting mint continues to attempt to claim all. It is remarkable the amount of food that can be grown for pennies in such a small space.
A thousand times the spade split the ground. Lifting and turning unearthing the earth. I began with soil that had too much clay. Each year I amend it with last year’s straw. And last year’s dung from an elephant at the zoo.
I was happy to see many of these little guys. Hidden deep under the earth they transform last year’s straw and last year’s crap into rich food that will produce fruit and seed that will sustain me. The soul of the earth and my own soul seem to work in similar ways.
The earth is ready. Like a blank canvas it awaits my choices, ready to receive the seed, eager to hold, nourish and support the new life which will spring forth out of her. For a few hours labor, blistered hands, burned skin, and aching muscles, I will receive back beauty and nourishment for my body and my soul. The planter is one I made from a re-purposed pallet last fall. I was going to plant strawberries but chose basil to use in a fresh pesto.
My first babies of this year. They were happy in their new home.
This is one of my blogging buddies. She is an artist with words and matter. If you have not visited her yet it is well worth the time and energy. She took a line from some of my ravings and did something beautiful with it. Right HERE. I am so proud. Finally figured out how to do the link thing. Be Groovy!
