our vision has been too obscured to see.
The shaman's eyes are wise,
tuned to the skies,
privy to the ancient mystery:
star voyagers, whose tales
are not yet part of history.
We sleep-walk, we who think
men rule the world.
In truth, nature wields her power
with judiciousness and care
till, too provoked, full fury is
unleashed upon us, unaware.
Soon, her wrath, appeased,
subsides, knowing
she has left her potent
warning message there.
I aimed somewhat for the voice of Judith Wright, introduced to us by Grace at Real Toads. Her poem BORA RING spoke to me, and inspired this poor echo.
This topic reminds me of a panel of inventors and scientists I sat in on some years back, people passionate about clean energy and knowledgeable about all of the inexplicable mystery of things seen and unseen. I remember one scientist explaining, when he traveled to a grass circle, one might have expected, had a heavy circular object landed in that field, to find broken and crushed grass stalks. He said, on examination, it looked like the grass had "lain down" (his words) in that circle, and he found no broken strands. Interesting.
I am also thinking of the typhoon in Taiwan and China, nature's fury unleashed once again, on this unsettled planet.
A beautiful poem of the fickleness of Mother Nature...but I suspect she has a plan.
ReplyDeleteI think humanity will be lost before nature gives up.. We are just a brief passing in the earth's history....
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing photo that is! Loved these lines:
ReplyDeleteWe sleep-walk, we who think
men rule the world.
In truth, nature wields her power
with judiciousness and care
till, too provoked
Beautifully penned!
Lots of love,
Sanaa
A delightful read indeed. Greetings!
ReplyDeleteNature is a wise mother, but have we learn enough to heed her warning and rage ~ There are earthquakes, typhoons, hurricanes coming -
ReplyDeleteThanks for being inspired by Judith's poem Sherry ~ Happy Sunday ~
Grace
"We sleep-walk, we who think
ReplyDeletemen rule the world." I've always heard that the last laugh is best... and it just might be nature's
That first stanza moves so beautifully! I really like this, Sherry.
ReplyDeleteI don't think your echo is poor at all. Before your note said it was inspired by "Bora Ring", I already knew it was. There is a humble sort of knowledge in each line; something that says, we aren't all that powerful when compared to the fury and love of Nature, but at least some of us can acknowledge that truth.
ReplyDeleteJust like it put you in mind of that panel, it made me think of a few doctors I've had the displeasure of having to listen to...
Hey Sherry--Men have plenty of power to destroy, but as you point out, can be surprised! Agh. Hate to think of it even though I do want nature to get her own back! Take care, k.
ReplyDeleteOur planet is unsettled, filled with mysteries we may never decipher. Perhaps we still need shaman to read the signs.
ReplyDeleteFull-on fury, yes indeed, Sherry.
ReplyDeleteI love the Shamanic direction, Sherry! I'm reading a book I found at goodwill on this...I can see why you were pulled in this direction. Awesome write!
ReplyDeleteThere is so much mystery in this world. I think we do sleep walk and don't see. Your poem captures this wonderfully.
ReplyDeleteMother Nature seems to be punishing us for how we have abused her. We never seem to learn...beautiful words and capture of Judith Wright's voice.
ReplyDelete