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Wednesday, April 2, 2014

A Fool for Beauty

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,
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.

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!

35 comments:

  1. I love the combination of ideas thoughts likes feelings and above all the love of nature...gripping throughout the chain of poetry

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  2. It 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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  4. I 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.

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  5. a 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....

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  6. let's hear it for being fools together, Sherry :) ~

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  7. That's the kind of fool to be and the one we need more of.
    It's your gift to love.

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  8. I love that you're a fool for all this life and this earth. What better way to be foolish.

    Just checking in. Still not blogging, but love reading what others are writing, especially you.

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  9. 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.

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  10. Oh, 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.

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  11. a fine poetic dreamer are you, Sherry. Never stop wishing upon a star for you inspire us to do so as well.
    smiles for the beauty you convey

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  12. You're not a fool at all... and this is something I really needed to read today. Thanks, Sherry.

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  13. OH! Me, too! Me, too!
    Gorgeous, Sherry.

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  14. This is very lovely, though I fear I am more pessimistic! But your vision is wonderful. K.

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  15. I want to be a fool just like you! Enchanting to read -I love it!

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  16. We fools are necessary to keep a balance. This poem is wonderful.

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  17. I like this kind of fools! May you write poems about the things that bring you joy for a very long time.

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  18. There is nothing wrong with being THIS kind of fool, Sherry. Enjoy.

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  19. As 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

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  20. I am basking in these happy, warm words...

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  21. I'm waiting to hear those frogs again... as for kids smiles... the grands are coming today... lovely write filled with love

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  22. Thanks! Took a hiatus, but some poems are brewing. I love the title of this piece! What an excellent focus.

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  23. my favorite stanza:

    " 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!

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  24. What a glorious affirmation on life, I love it Sherry ~

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  25. I 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,

    Elizabeth

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  26. Sherry, we are alike in so many ways. Without these things life would be so empty. Great use of anaphora.

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  27. Amen, sista, amen. I am now focusing on the every day beauty around me, trying to reconcile with my feelings of loneliness. Beautiful write.

    Pamela

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  28. 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.

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  29. Your "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.

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  30. You are a goddess, not a fool--and we should all be following the way of the heart

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  31. this is just beautiful...how you remind us of the beauty, the wonder in all the simple things of opening our eyes! great writing!

    stacy lynn mar
    http://warningthestars.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-fool-poem.html

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  32. 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!

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  33. This 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
    have a nice weekend.

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