I think sometimes we take for granted what beautiful and unusual places we live in- the people, the sounds and scenes. We rush from one thing to another but sometimes it's good just to 'stand and stare'.
Early this morning as l drove around running errands l watched as the big ferry pulled out from the pier, cut its path across the choppy water - waves and white horses slapping against its side. The sea and sky teeming with so many different shades of blue and the rain dampening all sound. A moment of calm.
This afternoon l stopped and leaned against the door-jamb on the way out again, breathed in the cool sea air and watched as two Wood Pigeons made their way around the garden, then listened to the beat of their wings as they eventually picked up and landed on the shed roof close by. A time to focus.
This evening when l had to pick up Sam from his friend's house - a surreal moment when the air around me suddenly filled with the haunting melody of bagpipe music (from one of the local hotels no doubt). Everything looked more beautiful, the sky neutralised by a blanketing mist, saturated foliage and saturated colour beneath me - the wind so still. What a wonder.
It made me think of the poem by William Henry Davis:
What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
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4 comments:
Oh yes, Sarah, you are so right, much too often we're so busy with "life", we don't take the time to truly notice our surroundings. I'm learning to slow down and just concentrate on what my eyes are seeing, what my nose is smelling and what my ears are hearing:-) It's unbelievable how the drone of a bee or the sweet sound of a singing bird, or how the sun reflects on the water, etc, can calm and soothe. Beautiful poem as well. xoxo
Such a lovely post my friend. We all need to stop and smell the roses. I was thinking the same thing as I watched the first beautiful cardinal birds entering my yard looking for seed. Their is so much to appreciate in nature.
Hope you are doing well.
Sending you hugs,
You are so good at transcribing your thoughts, Sarah. You have the soul of a writer and poet :)
I can feel the sea through your words and you make me nostalgic for it.
Your little picture perfectly illustrates our weather today. Blustery cold winds and a few rain showers. The only things we're missing are the gulls and the sounds and smell of the sea.
It's been an emotional day - our pastor's last sermon. He's retiring and moving south after 40 years in our little country church family. He and his dear wife will be sorely missed.
I'm watching redwings, cowbirds and chickadees grabbing a last bite to eat before the night settles in. A moment of calm :)
Thanks for sharing the lovely poem and your sweet thoughts. xox
I really love the poem. I live in the city and often people just dont stand and stare when we REALLY should. the Earth is amazing and full of wonders! :)
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