The wind from the north woods has made its way into our backyard and brings into present, past summers at the family cabin.
I allow myself the luxury of memory and the melancholy it may evoke, to keep the special place alive in my mind, as the neighbors’ loud voices poke at my solitude.
The problem with finding contentment in quiet, in taking more time to listen, is that you become more sensitive to sound. This can be good and bad but for now, I’ll consider it good. The window is open in the carriage house next door and it sounds as if someone is grinding wood. A man waves
from the street with an expandable ladder on his shoulder. Of course, I don’t know that this is what is on his shoulder until after I have waved back and nodded, yes, he can borrow our driveway to climb up to the open window and join
those who are grinding wood. There are only a few more minutes of sunlight and the driveway will soon be covered in evening’s shadow. At the cabin I would move my chair from the deck to the sea grass to catch the last streams of sunlight as the wind began to cool my sun-soaked skin. Now, I drag the same well-weathered heavy wooden chair that I sat in there, into the last of the day’s glow then listen
as dogs compete for the loudest bark. I tell ours to hush and choose to shut the rest out. But I hear the airplane overhead and as it fades into the distance, I notice that I also hear
the wind. I always thought there was something special about the way the wind hit the water up there in the north woods, but I hear it here too and there is no water near. The leaves are a part of this urban orchestra, creating
a rich timbre, a flute-like melody in which only songbirds can compete. They have come to join the commotion just as the cardinal enters, crossing the stage and steps forward. His innocent ultra high tenor echos in measured staccato beats
and a quartet follows: Chip chip a day day day day, Konk a eeeeee, and the whistle of the worker, while wrenches drop to the floor like the tinging of triangles. Then just as quickly as the commotion began, it stops.
The cardinal, with his proud plumage takes his bow. The curtain is drawn and the sun, our shining diva, slips offstage. I realize
I have become one with all of the musicians and instruments. I am a part of the symphony. I raise my glass with the gnats afloat, to say ‘good day’ to a beautiful day, and slip nonchalantly offstage to make dinner then whisper
Sweet dreams and
Good night.
Exquisite my dear sister Deb!
When I read this piece it reminded me of what’s often times said of people who are visually impaired, that their hearing and other sense becomes more keen!
Even though there were sights
I was drawn to the sounds…..
This is what it’s like for us in Christ Jesus as He draws us closer to Him. Because of this spiritual awakening, our discernment becomes more keen and we become much more sensitive to and aware of things around us. We see more, we hear more, and we understand more…Geez, you gotta love this about God. I don’t want to live any other way!!
“The curtain is drawn and the sun, our shining diva, slips offstage. “I realize I have become one with all of the musicians and instruments. I am a part of the symphony.”
The Lord brought this passage to mind and I believe it sums up your statement….
“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me…John 17:20-23
Thanks for sharing Sis!!
That was simply beautiful Deb and I thank you so much for sharing it with us. Grace and blessings!
Anthony, what a lovely gift you have left at my doorstep to unwrap. You reminded me that as I was reading Paul’s testimony to Agrippa this week, I wrote down how incredible it would be to hear Jesus say, Now get to your feet! For I have appeared to you to appoint you as my servant and witness. Tell people that you have seen me, and tell them what I will show you in the future. (Acts 26:16 NLT) I chose the New Living Translation here because you reminded me these words are new and living each time they are encountered. Thank you.
D
Thank you so much for reading it, Bruce! Grace and blessings back!
Deb,
Quite a symphony! To become one with it is to know harmony.
I believe the Maestro has become your Muse. You serve Him well.
Sarah
Sarah, that brought happy tears to my eyes. Aww…could there be anything better? It takes one to know one, as they say. D
“… I am a part of the symphony. I raise my glass with the gnats afloat” – yes! ?
God’s truly AMAZING!!!!!!!!!
Extraordinary! You truly are a poet, and your words lift my heart and soul! Thank you for this beautiful post, dearest Deb! <3 <3 and huge hugs!!
Lynn, it’s hard for me to think of myself as a poet. All I can say is that your encouragement has given me courage to write like I would dance. Thank you.
I love that! 🙂