Monday Morning Musings:
Distances
“Time is the longest distance between two places.”
–Tennessee Williams, The Glass Menagerie
Morning Moon
1.
Always the moon—
even in far-flung places, she rises
gleaming, her hair silver-streaming,
to answer questions we haven’t yet asked.
2.
It is the season of falling leaves and
demonic connections. Remember
heartbreak, look for truth—be aware–
of lies and hate. I’ll vote blue.
Autumn Scenes
3.
The brief pause
before you grin, lopsided,
a crooked crescent, the smile of your ancestors,
lights up your eyes.
4.
The mist rises in a glorious ring,
even under a fretful sky
the river flows on, her melody
constant and ever-changing, nature’s paradox.
5.
The hawk whistles in red-feathered flight,
the squirrels scurry beneath golden boughs
the geese soar in V-flight, a journey
through space and time, the future becomes now.
I used Jane’s random words again for this Cadralor.
It has been such a busy week. Work assignments due, the Folktober Challenge, a broken washing machine, now a clogged drain, dealing with a credit card transferred to a bank that seems totally incapable of handling service, the probably final televised hearing of the January 6 Committee, and two plays in theaters this weekend! On Saturday we saw The Glass Menagerie at the Arden Theater in Old City, Philadelphia. I had forgotten how sad and moving the play is, and the actors were all excellent. I enjoyed it very much. It was a beautiful day, so we took a long walk first, and then afterwards, we were able to sit outside at Tria to enjoy wine (mine, a Syrah blend from South Africa), stout (his, some dark something), a seasonal cheese tray of local artisan cheeses. Delightful!
Old City and Tria
On Sunday, we saw Those With 2 Clocks at the Wilma Theater in Philadelphia. It was a completely different sort of play. And yet, perhaps both plays dealt with some universal truths. This would not be a play for many of my friends and readers. As the pre-show announcement said, this performance will hit all the triggers. There were jokes about sex acts, butts, and there was full nudity—and also interactions with the audience. The performers explored humor and what makes us laugh–and attempt to dismantle the patriarchy. I was worried that I would not enjoy it at all, but I did, even as I cannot really explain what I saw. You can read more about it here.
Rittenhouse Square and Area
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
Lovely little miniatures 🙂 There are echoes of some phrases I’ve written lately, and your photo of the abandoned jetty reminds me so much of the old quays at Bordeaux.
Thank you!
I didn’t read your recent poems till after I wrote this one.
That’s interesting. I suppose abandoned places by the water have a certain similarity.
I think all our poems at the moment have a similar feel to them, except some of the scary ones 🙂
That nineteenth century industrial architecture is probably similar everywhere.
Even some of the scary ones have a seasonal feel. 🙂
I loved that tiled fountain especially. Some needed peacefulness in the midst of all the chaos around us. (K)
Thank you. The fountain did look pretty then. Some days that park seems friendly than others–there were couples dancing near the fountain.
Oh, I’d love to have that flower box! Thanks for sharing your musings today, Merril. The photographs are stunning. I think the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce should hire you!
Thank you, Jill! 🙂
I like the way the flowers in the flower box stood out against the black. There were actually two matching boxes.
I fell in love with “The Glass Menagerie” (and the theater) when I was in the 11th grade. I’ve even included the play in a short story of mine. Wistful, nostalgic sigh . . .
P.S. You’d better believe I’ll be voting blue on election day!
Gorgeous use of early morning light, Merril.
Thank you very much, Derrick.
The light in your images is gorgeous. Your words are beautiful. I will vote blue, too. The second play sounds very interesting.
Thank you so much, Robin.
The second play was interesting–unique and provocative. I was afraid I’d hate it, but I actually enjoyed it.
I love those early morning autumn images, Merril – we haven’t had many of those yet this year ☔️
Thank you, Ingrid.
I think we’ve had the right weather for it this year.
I enjoyed your musings here. The photographs are lovely!!! 🙂
Thank you so much, Linda! 🙂