My blog has moved

You will be automatically redirected to the new address.

If that does not occur, please visit http://umberdove.com/blog;.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009


When you open the door
(sweater pulled tight)
it's the sound that greets your senses:
red-shouldered blackbirds
(two thousand strong)
A mob that needs no encouragement to fill the air with a cacophony of song, no two birds holding the same key, no two birds singing the same note

SPLISH, WHOOSH, DRIP DRIP DRIP



From there, it is the breaking dawn and first heat of day playing on ear lobes
The slow ignition of sunlight on Cottonwoods and the chartreuse glow of Don Redwoods
The breeze low and brisk, the cattails humming a threshing tune
Your shoulders stretch and warm, pulling, releasing

SPLISH, WHOOSH, DRIP DRIP DRIP



Too late for blackberries
(shriveled and dry)
Too early for elder berries
(although I did try)
So I set into a rhythm of nourishment through knowledge
Examining the handiwork of beavers
(toothy-work? mouthy-work?)
And the clever nests of swallows

SPLISH, WHOOSH, DRIP DRIP DRIP




Soon the river bends, flows, snaps, flashes
Phoebes take advantage of solitary snags to sing their heart-song
(an ocean-sized soul in a two-pound package)
Egrets turn a wary eye
(knobby knees and delicate throats)
Canada Geese bumble and preen while the natives roll their eyes.
And I
well
I am one of the natives.
I've sunk my feet into these muddy banks
Trailed fingers through the algean waters
I know these scents like I know my skin
I've called this place home
And I mean it still.

SPLISH, WHOOSH, DRIP DRIP DRIP



SPLISH, WHOOSH, DRIP DRIP DRIP

SPLISH

WHOOSH

DRIP
DRIP
DRIP

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

This was such an exquisite delight to read!

Poet Kelly, this should go to print!

The photography too...

Waters are so healing...

Mum said...

Lovely, my Love.

I'm so glad we found time, in the midst of our frenzied activity, for a peaceful drift on the Mokelumne.

Your words and photos sum up the excursion perfectly.

MrsLittleJeans said...

My gosh, so extremely delightful....drip, splish, what are all those sounds : )

UmberDove said...

Splish (the paddle dips into the water)
Whoosh (the rush of river as you pull the paddle back)
Drip Drip Drip (off the edge of the paddle as you swing it, just above the water)

Mrs LJ - it's really the most amazing rhythmic sound, quiet, balanced, lovely. I need to get back on the river already.

MrsLittleJeans said...

I know what you mean...I did some kayaking in my school days and lucky I did not get lost because I could just paddle away, really away... love the blue sky with green blade of grass shot...could be a pillow : )

I am going to be thinking of those sounds....

UmberDove said...

"just paddle off"

sigh.

It's a good thing those kayaks are pretty far from me right this second, otherwise the temptation would really be more than I could bear. We could do it, make it, living in the woods and off the river, right?

MrsLittleJeans said...

I think I can : ) as long as there is coffee around

UmberDove said...

AMEN SISTER!


(the little thing that you can't quite see in the "breakfasting" photo is the lovely latté I picked up right before we jumped on the water - heehee)

MrsLittleJeans said...

you are truly wonderful... : )

jordan said...

oh MAN this makes me want to hop in a canoe...BADLY. such great photos. you're a gem, if you didn't know that already ;)

Raspberry Orchid said...

I just love you so much.