Have you ever been so overwhelmed at the wonder and beauty of something in nature that you were speechless? So overcome with emotion, a heart so full and eyes flowing with tears because of something you saw, heard, tasted, or touched in creation? That has happened to me so often, and when I first happened upon the live camera on an eagle's nest in Decorah Ia it certainly was the case. Magnificent.Awe-inspiring.Noble.Breath-taking.Unbelievable.

THE PEACE OF WILD THINGS
When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
Written by Wendell Berry
One of my favorites - High Flight by John Magee
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, --and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of --Wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air...
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark or even eagle flew --
And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
As I read this, I "could" imagine that most of this is about an eagle telling their story as they fly and soar and glide.
walton, the eagle and peregrine poems made me feel like I was soaring on a thermal with them. I could almost hear the clash of talons as they interlocked and feel the rush of their wings sweeping past me. What a vivid depiction!! Gives me shivers.
Thank you for this lovely poem GG...I think it is exactly what we ALL need as we sit and watch our world spin out of control around us!!! Would you mind if I share this on my Facebook page so that I have it for easy access?? It really touched my heart!!!! And thank you for starting this thread...I think you are a girl after my own heart!!!!!
THE PEACE OF WILD THINGS
When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
Written by Wendell Berry
Take a look at this story and see how far you can get before the smiles and the tears start coming - I got to 3.#7 did me in!!! Those kind and generous students to give up the trip that they had worked so hard for...and the generosity of all of the wonderful people who repaid their kindness so wonderfully!!! Great read Bob...thanks for sharing!!!
http://money.msn.com/now/11-amazing-acts-of-generosity
Have saved your recommendation, Finn. Thanks so much. When I get a chance to pop in here, I really like this thread. Thanks everyone for your thoughtful contributions.Good morning Finn and everyone. Borland's poem is beautiful! I love how he writes and what he says. I finally got Book of Days this past Christmas because you mentioned it and quoted it, back in 2011, I think. My goodness that man had knowledge of everything, it seems. I have loved reading it every single day since January 1 and will be sad when the year of reading is over. I treat myself to it every night and often have to use lots of self control to not read ahead! I may have to get one of his other books, or reread this one! Any recommendations.
Nan: just about anything Borland wrote works for me--I'm a big fan. But one of my favorites is Twelve Moons of the Year. I'm attaching a list of all his works so you can browse away--you can often find his books at used book stores or there seem to be some inexpensive copies available on line: http://naturewriting.com/hal.htm
GG: This is a beautiful reflection on wind, autumn and the sounds of geese as they make their way across the landscape. Thank you for passing it along to all of us!
This may have posted before, but I received it in an email today and wanted to share it. It felt very soothing to me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=BUOQ_yPW_0s
Now you know I had to post this video, right? :)
gg - Stunning photo. Absolutely gorgeous! Thank you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ylf62YYB4V8
A beautiful tribute GG
GG: thank you for this passage from Hal Borland. We are full of new beginnings and we feel the "deep wonder" he talks about as each day passes.
When I first saw this video I was touched, so I want to share this one with you all. It's about bats. Yes, bats. I applaud any rehabbers like Bat World Sanctuary who literally save a life of an animal, whatever kind it is. Bats probably have gotten "a bum wrap" over the years because of Dracula movies but "Lil' Drac" will capture your heart. Enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T84jdO8YrYA
Thank you Walton for reminding me of the REAL meaning of Christmas. The Hallelujah Chorus gives me goose bumps every single time...
Today we attended the funeral of a good friend. The final song of the service was The Hallelujah Chorus. sigh.
This is the most wonderful web site. It gives me a lift every day!
http://nature365.tv/
OH MY! Newbie to this thread as well. GG I am in tears as I sit reading this poem and watch our sparrows surviving in the current winter blast Mother Nature has decided to put upon wildlife in NEO.
To a Sparrow
written by Reginald Holmes
When God made all the feathered things,
To some, He gave bright, crimson wings;
And others wore a cloak of blue,
While some were clad in golden hue.
I think, perhaps God never guessed
So many sparrows must be dressed;
And He used all the bright arrays
For clothing cardinals and jays.
The sparrows do not seem to mind
The drab, dull raiment of their kind.
When snow is deep and days are cold,
I hear them twitter, chirp and scold;
But with my human reasoning,
I wonder why they cannot sing;
Why all the lovely lilting notes
Were placed in other gifted throats.
They're such a pleasant sight to see
When perched upon our leafless tree.
I must admit...for it is true,
That we have much in common, too.
I dress about the same as they
In sober shades of brown and gray.
No melody have I to bring,
I, too, have never learned to sing.
I'm sure they have as great a worth
As other feathered friends on earth;
For in the greatest Book of all
I'm told God notes the sparrow's fall.
At least, this lesson I have learned...
That common things must not be spurned.
One needs no song, no glorious dress
To share God's love and blessedness.
thank you gardengirl. The quotes of Lewis Carroll remind me of something a doctor once told me while at work. He had 12 children, all very smart. We had 2 boys: 12 and 13. He said
"frehaws, just remember the child who leaves the home in the morning for school, is not the same one who returns home after school".
I never forgot this. I reminded our oldest now that he has a 16 year old and it almost applies to our 8 yr old grandson too.
Saturday I had the most awesome experience at a Women of the Outdoors event ---tagging Monarch butterflies. We were a sight to behold--women aging from high school sophomore to senior citizen, frolicking through wildflowers with giant nets to capture Monarch beauties, gender ID them, and place teeny eeny stickers on a certain spot on their wings, give them a kiss and lift them to the sky with an Adios Amigos...
If you ever have this opportunity, don't pass it by.
Monarch Butterfly
GG that must have been a wonderful experience.
Wait I can wait
For the fullness of wings
For the lift For the flight
Wait I can wait
A moment less
A moment more
I have waited much longer before
For the taste of the flower
For the feel For the sight
Wait I can wait
For the prize of the skies
For the gift of the air
Almost finished
Almost there
Almost ready
to rise
Marilyn Singer
I want to feel the breath
Of crisp autumn on my cheek
And catch the vibrant heartbeat
Of earth beneath my feet.
Giving thanks for all the peace and strength that I receive at this thread. Its always important to find a safe, uplifting place. For me its more important than ever. For anyone going thru issues this thread is a gift from God. He has led you talented people here to encourage myself and others to keep going and giving us strength and some peace.
I am forever grateful.
Winter Worship
In wintertime,
I like to follow
Soft snow-dust trails
Through woods and hollow
Where summer vines, still fruited, cling,
And dogwood trees have buds for spring.
Within God's wondrous world of white,
He keeps each season's promise bright,
Not forgetting autumn gold
In leaves the sycamores still hold.
The woods are like a temple there
With songs of birds ,a pine tree's prayer
Upon an altar of white snow.
His miracles, like candles , glow;
A quiet place where I find peace
And faith, in love that shall not cease.
written by Edith M McKay
Baz, to answer your question, the chatter did not mention any author and had no knowledge who wrote it. I just have hunch that it was one of our Decorah chatters - not sure why I think that but the poem just seems to fit the Decorah cottonwoods. And thank you for your discovery of James Hearst and his poems. Research and learning can be so much fun!
Love this, it is what I have been doing since Christmas :)
Fierce Winter Storm
The storm raged in over night
Yes, nature had a plan
It brought terrible conditions
For plant, or beast, or man
It came in so very quickly
The wind was hard and fierce
And when I stepped outside
My lungs and face it pierced
Locked in winter's embrace
The world was cold and hard
Frail dry grass was transformed
As I looked out into my yard
The fences were laced with ice cycles
Rock solid they were from the cold
It was so astounding to watch
The winter ice storm unfold
Not a thing was able to move
If the wind blew we?d never tell
It?s the perfect scene to capture
Photographers and artists as well
It?s amazing what nature can do
And tomorrow it could be quite warm
But for now I?ll take out my camera
And capture this fierce winter storm!
----Marilyn Lott
The Evening Star
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1807 - 1882
Lo! in the painted oriel of the West,
Whose panes the sunken sun incarnadines,
Like a fair lady at her casement, shines
The evening star, the star of love and rest!
And then anon she doth herself divest
Of all her radiant garments, and reclines
Behind the sombre screen of yonder pines,
With slumber and soft dreams of love oppressed.
O my beloved, my sweet Hesperus!
My morning and my evening star of love!
My best and gentlest lady! even thus,
As that fair planet in the sky above,
Dost thou retire unto thy rest at night,
And from thy darkened window fades the light.
October
Summer lingers though the woods
Are filled with winter's prophecy
In thinning leaves and russet tones
Of red and yellow tracery.
The morning boasts the songs of birds,
And night is routed gallantly.
But twilight hears the cricket's call
With rhythmic, shrill insistency.
Now from the woods new voices come:
The owl complaining to the moon,
And, echoing through the leafy vault,
The eerie laughter of the loon.
Thin frost upon the meadowland,
A trail of birds across the sky--
A keenness fills the vibrant air
That sends the dead leaves whirling by.
written by Josephine Powell Beaty
Welcome EagleAngels and LORIDAVIS !! We are so happy you found this thread. Please feel free to post poetry, song lyrics, or meaningful pieces of literature that have touched your heart! We hope you stop in often. Remember the key is under the mat outside the back door (where friends enter), there is always a fire in the hearth, and a pot of tea steeping in the kettle, so please make yourselves at home! This welcome is for ALL of you dear readers! Hope to see more of you... Blessings from GG and the heart!!
October
Summer lingers though the woods
Are filled with winter's prophecy
In thinning leaves and russet tones
Of red and yellow tracery.
The morning boasts the songs of birds,
And night is routed gallantly.
But twilight hears the cricket's call
With rhythmic, shrill insistency.
Now from the woods new voices come:
The owl complaining to the moon,
And, echoing through the leafy vault,
The eerie laughter of the loon.
Thin frost upon the meadowland,
A trail of birds across the sky--
A keenness fills the vibrant air
That sends the dead leaves whirling by.
written by Josephine Powell Beaty
Thanksgiving
From the heart I wish each reader here a time of peace, contentment, love, family, friends and quiet reflection. I pray you have everything you need. I pray you can share this day of thanks with those you love. If by chance you are alone today, please know you are loved and this door is always open to you. Come in, friend. The fire is lit. The teapot is steeping.
There is soup in the kettle and homemade bread on the counter. You can rest here as long as you like. You will find a good book beside the arm chair. Enjoy the quiet.
If you are so inclined and want a little company, may I remind you there will be a flyway chat on Wednesday and Friday of this week from 11-2 Central time. We would love to see you there.
Until next time, be well and blessed, and please be kind to one another and planet earth.
Here are some words of encouragement for these trying days.
The Bend in the Road
by Helen Steiner Rice