Night Crow
When I saw that clumsy crow
Flap from the wasted tree,
A shape in the mind rose up:
Over the gulfs of dream
Flew a tremendous bird
Further and further away
Into a moonless black
Deep in the brain, far back.
--Theodore Roethke
Isn't that a marvelous poem that sort of swirls around in the sky of your head? I think of it as a Fall poem, meant to be read when electric yellow leaves fly through dark grey days and the world feels a little uncertain. There is a depth to this time of year that I can appreciate. The fall has more texture than the other seasons; the colors stand out, even more than the rioting flowers of summer. The air feels different, expectant maybe. The other seasons are more straightforward, but there's a quality now that seems mysterious. I love it.
I have had adventures away and adventures at home lately; I love both. Here are some pictures that tell a bit of my fall story so far:
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| We grew a thumbkin this year! Won't the fairies love it? |
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| asters |
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| last hurrah |
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| dear friends |
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| Tia |
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| big maple at dusk |
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| the river |
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| happy in the kitchen |
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| very impressive |
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| cool, huh? |
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| Korean War Memorial--ghostly! |
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| a walk in the Virginia woods |
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| Whoa! Miller almost stepped on this fellow. |
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| Caretaker's house at the old, now-closed prison in Lorton, VA. Eerie. |
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| pumpkin catapult |
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| airborne and leaf-bound! |
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| hot soup and cream biscuits for a chilly night |
May the Night Crow land on your bedpost and carry you over the gulfs of dream...
A nice window into the variety of adventures. Fall is the most contemplative season. The colors as a final defiance before decay/withdrawal but knowing emergence will come with time. Your brain certainly is not a moonless black, though, as it is evident there are shimmering lights in all corners.
ReplyDeleteI love the happy kitchen. Love to see your faces! The kids are so big (waaaaa) and I wish I was there watching them catapult the pumpkins! I LIke your trip pics.! Can't wait to see you soon. Congratulations on a successful Volleyball Season!!
ReplyDeleteHey thANks for including a few shots from our wonderful northern visit. Twas grand. I love that you got to Virginia,(?) too. Next stop: FRANCE! Keep up the kitchen adventures. We like pesto now, thanks to you! :O)
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you blogging again, here as well as your wreath blog. The Roethke poem, your narrative, and the pictures are super!--Dad
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