In a song never his
he seeks peace in the bird world,
in songs not his own,
in squirrel harmonies and
the deep-breathed rhythm of trees,
the long exhale of winter
in dusk’s violet
he thinks how love climbs like vines–
how easily they wither
but drop dream-seeds to sleep under the rustle
of rust-rotted leaf blankets
as seasons pass beneath gnarled roots-
fingers pointing down–
while he above thinks,
our earth, our light, how blue!
Sometimes the Oracle makes you work, and other times, she just says, “here you go.”
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
Your message and Jane’s are both hopeful. Perhaps that is the ship of my poem. And that blue light…(k)
Thank you.
I’m seeing so much blue lately–it’s beautiful, but perhaps also a sort of nature metaphor. . .
Blue and green always feel like healing.
Yes, they do–even when the blue is melancholy, it still feels that way.
For me, very fitting as we March toward winter. Well done!
Thank you, Frank. 🙂
So beautiful…the picture you paint, the alliteration, the message of hope. Love it, Merril. 💙
Merril, this is so beautiful! Your poetry is a joy to read!
That’s so very kind, Rene. Thank you!💙
💙
A lovely poem, Merril: did you write it as an ekphrastic response to the painting, or add that afterwards?
Thank you so much, Ingrid.
The Oracle gave me the words. That phrase stood out, and made me think of Orpheus and this painting. So–a bit of both, I guess? 😏
Well, how kind of the Oracle to give you a Saturday off, so to speak ;-). Such a lovely poem, too, so many textures.
Thank you very much, Marie. 🙂
I really like the notion of seeking peace in songs not our own!
Thank you, Liz. Nature has its own songs, and I like to think even Orpheus recognized that.
You’re welcome, Merril.
So very beautiful. As it resonates with me it seems one of your very best – and that is saying something
Thank you very much, Derrick. I am so pleased you felt that way–and that you let me know. I felt this one strongly, too, so your comment makes me especially happy.
This is exquisite, Merril. I agree with Derrick. I read it a few times and each one was better. Just gorgeous.
Aww–thank you so much, Dale!
I really mean it. Just read it again!
❤️
💕
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