Photo credit: M. Bednar
always
there is the pace & urge
framing is factor
where to focus, what to blur
a wisp, a thread is all I can get
as often your wings propel you
into a distance where I can't follow
I perch still, listening
to a scratch, flint, tremor
I know lies just below the blue-sliced dawn
during summer
you are mighty heron, thrilling for hunt
during autumn
you are red maple leaf, dazzling in sundown
during winter
you are lace-moon, quivering above my window
in spring,
you are hail storm, unleashing on my pages
grit, fury, tenacity
you tell me, I will find you
always
Say of me: You are mine.*
* Line from Hilda Hilst, I come from Ancient Times
Posted for the Imaginary Garden for Real Toads - Word List by M - Play It Again
and Poets United - Thanks for the Visit ~
I think there are few birds as majestic as a heron. I always feel blessed when I see one. I like how you evoked each season in your verse. My favorites are about summer & fall! Happy Sunday to you, Grace.
ReplyDeleteI have not seen a heron in flight, that must be truly a sight ~ Thanks Mary ~
DeleteThis is a beautifully written poem Grace. I love the lace moon verse. Now I want to paint a lace moon.
ReplyDeleteHave a beautiful week.
You should, smiles ~ Thank you Lisa ~
DeleteThis revolves through the seasons dynamically, and makes them true seasons of the heart. An excellent use of grapelng's list, with a touch of the Hilda Hist prompt as well artfully merged in. A pleasure to read, Grace.
ReplyDeleteThanks HW ~
Deleteyou've perfectly framed the soul of poetry knowing where to focus and where to blur...love the beautiful imagery used here Grace...
ReplyDeleteThank you Sumana ~
DeleteJust beautiful Grace!
ReplyDeleteIm a lace-moon for now:)
Thanks Gloria :-)
DeleteThe seasons come to be and then cease and return anew, I'd rather have the ones that are warm though between me and you lol
ReplyDeleteThis is kinda magical.....loved reading.......
ReplyDeleteThis is a remarkable piece of poetry, Grace. I am aware as I read of the artistic purpose of the writer as well as the tenacity of her subject. The two have been perfectly blended to form the whole. Splendid work.
ReplyDeleteGrace, you've animated the seasons! And who will refuse from such painter? You are hired...I guess :)xx
ReplyDeleteBeautiful ...
ReplyDeletePerfect!
ReplyDeleteZQ
One of your best, Margaret. I adore "the blue-sliced dawn", "lace-moon, quivering"...and the closing lines, where you will always find the beauty. The photo is a once in a lifetime shot. Gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteHa ha. I get credit for writing this ;P
DeleteOMG, am so sorry, Grace. I was confused by Margaret's photo, but I knew it was you.....came back again from facebook and saw my blooper.
DeleteNo worries Sherry, smiles ~
DeleteThis reads so elegant, Grace. Last year, while my husband and I were on our yearly first-date date (long story), we saw a heron take flight from a rock and towards a branch. I remember holding my breath for a moment; everything just felt tidy, comfortable, right... that is how your poem reads.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dear Grace.
ReplyDeleteGrace this is so lovely! The words exquisite. Lace moon, blue-sliced dawn--where to focus, what to blur--for some reason that line really spoke to me :-)
ReplyDeleteJust wonderful... so many great combinations of words.
ReplyDeletethe wonderful last line... "you are mine"!! lovely
ReplyDeleteI like how your poem flew and glided through the seasons. :-)
ReplyDeleteI am fond of the examples of the seasons :) and your seasons are lovely - And the aspect of focus- something I am always striving for - in writing and life! Beautiful poem, Grace. K
ReplyDeleteMarvelous. I liked how it flowed and moved from one to the other with out losing the thought.
ReplyDeleteOh, this brings those goosebumps that I get when I read wonderful poetry. I love that this speaks to inspiration and from whence it will come through all of the seasons...I've come to rely upon Nature for this for years for my writing and my surviving. Thank you for this, Grace. ♥
ReplyDeleteThat picture is amazing the Blue Heron is symbolic in my life..this line speaks volumes to me.
ReplyDeleteinto a distance where I can't follow
I perch still, listening
"blue sliced dawn" is exquisite and the whole gently flowing stanzas inspire one to imagine a poet's attention to details - and a poet's struggles of trying to put those details to words. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous, Grace! I see Herons all the time here in the south. I had not before moving here. One in flight is magical~ I love how you carried the magic throughout your verse~
ReplyDeleteLove the theme of nature and seasons in this. Really nice!
ReplyDeleteWords and changes seasonal and fighting for the right focus to make them dance. Personally I blur the words and focus on the punctuation. One day, one day someone is going to send the sheriff of the wind to wind me down to the ground and clamp my mind shut, unless that hungry heron gets me first. I thinkI'd prefer being a herons breakfast than the sheriff's lunch.
ReplyDeletelove this post, it reminds me of how peaceful and pretty nature is!
ReplyDeletethe heron is such a magnificent creature...i have captured them on occassion...with my eyes...seeing them at the lake....love the use of the hail storm...the ferocity but the beauty of it as well....
ReplyDeletethis is a really neat post. I like the parallel between snapping the perfect picture and writing the perfect picture. The words definitely have a knack for showing themselves in the most unique ways...may they continue to call to you and make of you as they will.
ReplyDeleteduring winter
ReplyDeleteyou are lace-moon, quivering above my window.... love this... you captured the majesty and magic of a heron so well
Ah! It is the movement that captures us, always in our peripheral vision until we refocus and find the word or not. Thank you for the season by season belonging to nature and re connection with all of creation.
ReplyDeleteah, a beautiful pen Grace, coursing our seasons ~
ReplyDelete"framing is factor where to focus, what to blur" - beautiful lines.
ReplyDeleteSo beautifully interwoven Grace, love the lace moon.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful poem--I love the idea of personifying an aspect of nature to define the "you" in this. Maraget's photo just takes my breath away--and your words, a second time.
ReplyDeleteHow to frame our words.. The seasonal touch of what this "you" is.. Very well penned .
ReplyDeleteI find herons beautiful and elegant birds. I like how you include the four seasons in your poem, always something to see and enjoy.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Grace!
ReplyDelete