The world is sad and broken,
clouds of smoke rising
and the voices of trees lost.
(Say not forever.)
Still I listen for the secret rhythm
of stars and moon
and watch the sun rise
brilliant fire in the sky
lighting our days,
reminding us of if and when
the universe is born and dies,
again and again–
and yet, the flowers bloom in spring
(until they don’t)
and their perfume rises
in morning’s smile.
My collaboration with the magnetic poetry Oracle. She always seems to know what is and what might be.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
A good collaboration. When I see such a photograph now I add forest fire to the possible subjects
Thank you, Derrick. Yes, I think most of the world is thinking of fires now. Though in the case of this photo, it was just clouds.
This is beautifully written, Merril. The fires in Australia, the fires in politics… knowing that after the fires, things grow even more beautifully (as mentioned by an Aussie blogger, I follow) and hope that the same will happen within government – thought that will be more difficult…
Thank you very much, Dale. Yes, let us hope things grow more beautifully. . .
Beautiful, Merril. I loved “and yet, the flowers bloom in spring.” I have hope that they always will…in some cases, eventually.
Thank you, Jill. We have to hope, right?
In the midst of turmoil, you found beauty and hope.
Thank you very much, Frank. I’m so pleased you felt that.
The first line is so impacting, once again something so very special Merril.
Thank you so much, Rene!
It’s always awesome to read your work Merril. I’m usually speechless!
What a lovely comment! Thank you so much, Rene!
All true Merril. You are so gifted.
❤
I’m listening for that secret rhythm, too.
Thank you, Luanne. Sometimes that’s all we have.
I really enjoyed the split between the simpler narrative of reading only the first line of each set, and then the whole.
Makes the second line like a mournful chorus.
Thank you very much for your careful reading!
Morning has broken – the Cat Stevens song – I’m reminded of that by your lovely words which are almost hymnal. Thanks Merrill and to the Oracle –
Thank you very much, Susan!
“(Say not forever.)” — there it is, “say not forever.” I do think of the fires in Australia, among other things, provoked by your lovely poem. A friend who lives in Perth, Western Australia, went on a bit of a rant the other night about the “too little, too late” response from the government. Interesting because I’ve always thought that Australia was more progressive than the US. It is still in terms of health care but of all the countries to be in denial about climate change … boggles my mind. The Oracle is very cognizant of what is going on in the world … well, I guess she would be. At least she tends to veer toward the hopeful or perhaps that’s your influence.
Thank you very much, Marie. Yes, the Oracle seems to know everything, but somehow sends me some hope. 🙂
We all could use that … 🙂
🙂
Well that photo – wow! But those lines, yes to such stirring thoughts.
Thank you so much, Paul!
Very welcome Merril.