Sproat Lake in February
I am a fool for the night sky,
giant cedars black and tall
against the backdrop
of stars and clouds and moon.
I am a fool for the croaking of the frogs
lifting from the pond like a song of survival,
at twilight,
at twilight,
as every spring, I fall in love again.
I am a fool for birdsong at morning,
and the miracle that is
the hummingbirds
returning to the feeder.
Am I repeating myself?
Have you heard all this before?
I can't help it, for I am a cloud dreamer,
and every wispy breath of mist
against the mountain
stops me in my tracks, while I drink my fill.
I am a fool for believing
that the beauty of the earth
means it will endure,
no matter how humans
devastate its balance,
a fool for hoping that somehow,
at the eleventh minute
of the eleventh hour,
we will all wake up in time.
I am a fool for thrilling at babies' smiles
and trusting there will be a world safe enough
for them to grow up in,
because their innocence deserves it
and I need that hope.
I am a fool for
every pair of trusting doggy eyes
I gaze into,
because dogs are all about the Love,
and I am a fool for love.
and I am a fool for love.
I am a fool for putting these words
into lines, and thinking it makes a difference,
and a fool for coming back later
and smiling at the responses
which tell me that, sometimes, it does.
I am a fool for this
can't-get-enough, not-long-enough life
in this beautiful, tumultuous, breathtaking world,
where there are not words enough,
not time enough,
to list its wonders.
for Susan's Mid-Week Motif at Poets United: to write about what one is a fool for.
I am a fool for just about everything! Be sure to check out the links at Poets United - there will be some wonderful responses, as always!
I love the combination of ideas thoughts likes feelings and above all the love of nature...gripping throughout the chain of poetry
ReplyDeleteIt is said, when we are the fool, we are not alone....and I like to think we are not. You speak for me, and for so many, with your beautiful words.
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ReplyDeleteI am also a fool for the birdsong in the morning, no better song than that of the Blackbird. Love how you joy of nature just captivates your words.
ReplyDeletea couple nice zingers mixed in there...yeah if we dont do something we are foolish thinking the world will just stay the same...i am def a sucker for birdsong....smiles.and most anything nature is dishing....
ReplyDeletelet's hear it for being fools together, Sherry :) ~
ReplyDeleteThat's the kind of fool to be and the one we need more of.
ReplyDeleteIt's your gift to love.
I love that you're a fool for all this life and this earth. What better way to be foolish.
ReplyDeleteJust checking in. Still not blogging, but love reading what others are writing, especially you.
May we never exchange being a fool like this for being a cynic! I like how the repetition makes me expect all the wonder and none of the troubling edges of things. But you are a wise fool, my friend. I love this poem.
ReplyDeleteSweet!
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, Sherry your word makes difference. Me too...taking a pictures every time I see the sky/tree on the walking path...~ Feel such emotions behind this poem...almost tears.
ReplyDeletea fine poetic dreamer are you, Sherry. Never stop wishing upon a star for you inspire us to do so as well.
ReplyDeletesmiles for the beauty you convey
You're not a fool at all... and this is something I really needed to read today. Thanks, Sherry.
ReplyDeleteOH! Me, too! Me, too!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous, Sherry.
This is very lovely, though I fear I am more pessimistic! But your vision is wonderful. K.
ReplyDeleteI want to be a fool just like you! Enchanting to read -I love it!
ReplyDeleteWe fools are necessary to keep a balance. This poem is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI like this kind of fools! May you write poems about the things that bring you joy for a very long time.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing wrong with being THIS kind of fool, Sherry. Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteAs the others say..these are all good things to be foolish about..and you made me :) ..so definitely keep telling us all about the light and stars and dreams and hope..and doggies
ReplyDeleteI am basking in these happy, warm words...
ReplyDeleteI'm waiting to hear those frogs again... as for kids smiles... the grands are coming today... lovely write filled with love
ReplyDeleteThanks! Took a hiatus, but some poems are brewing. I love the title of this piece! What an excellent focus.
ReplyDeleteYou are my kind of fool! :-)
ReplyDeletemy favorite stanza:
ReplyDelete" I am a fool for believing
that the beauty of the earth
means it will endure,
no matter how humans
devastate its balance,
a fool for hoping that somehow,
at the eleventh minute
of the eleventh hour,
we will all wake up in time."
I am a fool for believing this as well. Yet I cannot give up hoping!
What a glorious affirmation on life, I love it Sherry ~
ReplyDeleteI too am a fool for all of those things. And even believe there are far more of us than we can possibly know. Love and hugs,
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
Sherry, we are alike in so many ways. Without these things life would be so empty. Great use of anaphora.
ReplyDeleteAmen, sista, amen. I am now focusing on the every day beauty around me, trying to reconcile with my feelings of loneliness. Beautiful write.
ReplyDeletePamela
No my friend, you are not a fool at all. It is a changing and positive energy that you put out into this world and I for one am grateful that you do.
ReplyDeleteYour "foolishness" could go on and on, couldn't it? Thanks for reminding me that there are worse things in this world than being a fool.
ReplyDeleteYou are a goddess, not a fool--and we should all be following the way of the heart
ReplyDeletethis is just beautiful...how you remind us of the beauty, the wonder in all the simple things of opening our eyes! great writing!
ReplyDeletestacy lynn mar
http://warningthestars.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-fool-poem.html
Oh, WOW!!! I so needed that this morning! Thank you for painting such a vivid picture with your words, and I hope we can be as foolish as you!
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely poem filled with some powerful thoughts. I enjoyed reading this Sherry and you are a beautiful fool with a kind heart. I hope you
ReplyDeletehave a nice weekend.