Sometimes the light comes
Pouring over the horizon,
Thick and yellow as juice
From a fresh squeezed orange.
Other mornings its hesitates
As if unsure of its way,
Wondering about its welcome
And waiting for some final signal.
Today it arrived in radiant blast
A sudden headlong dazzle
That pierced and conquered
In swift, triumphant brilliance.
The coming of the light
Is as old as time and creation.
Let there be light, said God,
And the new light was good.
So why should I be surprised
By an event that occurs regularly,
Once every twenty-four hours?
Why does the light melt my heart?
Yet am I always gobsmacked,
Overcome with joy and wonder
By this good new light,
Thankful to find its blessing.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
LIGHT
Sometimes the light comes
Pouring over the horizon,
Thick and yellow as juice
From a fresh squeezed orange.
Other mornings its hesitates
As if unsure of its way,
Wondering about its welcome
And waiting for some final signal.
Today it arrived in radiant blast
A sudden headlong dazzle
That pierced and conquered
In swift, triumphant brilliance.
The coming of the light
Is as old as time and creation.
Let there be light, said God,
And the new light was good.
So why should I be surprised
By an event that occurs regularly,
Once every twenty-four hours?
Why does the light melt my heart?
Yet am I always gobsmacked,
Overcome with joy and wonder
By this good new light,
Thankful to find its blessing.
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31 comments:
Hi Grizz-
"Light" has so many wondrous and purposeful meanings. It is after the darkness, it is beyond the shadows, it is clarity, it is energy, it is brilliant, light is blinding truth, light is reality, it is new, it is guidance.......and YOU, so aware of this in life, every day a miracle to be thankful for, a newness appreciated - an opportunity unfolding, all in the light....... you are light.
Love Gail
peace......
You always show such gratitude through your photos, but your writing is as powerful. It is important to honour and laud that which we love. Your love of the earth is very moving.
That is a total of 2 cyberfriends who have written a poem. I feel an urge, as well! Thanks for the prompt.
Oh Yes, Scribe - we can continue to be overwhelmed and surprised by the everyday things - a sunrise, a sunset, the way the mist settles on the landscape - and in your case the way the light suddenly catches you unawares. I love this poem - it is so true.
"Why does the light melt my heart?"
I can't tell you how much I love this line.
Gail…
You say such nice things—and you understand light's meanings and ramifications. Moreover, all you said applies just as surely to you and your life.
Light is life's greatest miracle.
Jenn…
I am indeed deeply grateful for all the good things in my life, the loves and miracles and richness of blessings. I know that life's hold is tenuous, that the earth is a place of wonder, and that we must honor both.
I don't know that I'd quite yet call this effort a poem—certainly not a finished poem—but I say if you have the urge and feel inspired, get to work!
Weaver…
Where would I be without light and its suddenly revealed wonders? Where would any of us be? The delight and joy of surprise is one of the greatest reasons to keep on living.
Yes, I like this. Do you kind if I do an instant mini crit?
1st verse - yes, great, no word wasted, it hits you as directly as the pouring light itself, good the connection with breakfast morning orange juice.
2nd verse - OK, I understand the construction - more syllables, more ponderous and 'hesitating', fits the idea - but it loses impact after the impact-ful 1st verse because of lack of any striking imagery.
3rs verse - better, contrasting - but actually still lacks that terrific blast of the 'fresh squeezed orange' 1st verse - again, some more arresting imagery may be wanting?
I like all the last 3 verses. You set up the more 'reflective' part of the poetic 'argument', and it reaches a lovely, poignant, rather wonderful climax in 'Why does the light melt my heart?'
I love the last verse. Fantastic to find the word 'gobsmacked' in a poem - and it works, as well! I like this last verse for the way it climbs down from the questioning, climactic penultimate verse - to a more quietly reflective and very satisfying resolution.
I like the way you repeat 'good' in the last verse, and I like the way you end on the word 'blessing'.
Jain…
Thank you, I'm glad you liked the line.
I was thinking, when I wrote it, of Gretel Ehrilich's A MATCH TO THE HEART, which chronicled her experience and long recovery after being struck by lightening. I felt something of a sudden burning. (Ehrilich is a wonderful writer, by the way, and SOLACE OF THE OPEN SPACES and THIS COLD HEAVEN ought to be on the reading list anyone who loves the outdoors and wild adventure.)
Solitary…
Hey, good criticism is always welcomed.
I'm extremely critical of my own stuff, given the prejudice of authorship, skued perspective, and doubtful talent. Moreover, while I read a lot of poetry, I really have no basis for reading and editing critically. Or I seldom use what I have. I pretty much write poetry by the seat of my pants.
I trust and value your analysis and judgment. You're not going to upset me regardless of what you say—I may not agree, but it will make me look closer with a different mind, from a fresh viewpoint, and that has to be a good thing when shaping a piece of writing.
I want to take a few hours to fiddle with this—maybe overnight—and I'll then see what I can come up with or at least say in my own defense. Fair enough?
But please—we're friends, I believe, and you can say to me what you will…always.
WOW Griz, another great post, I loved your poem....you know I think these things but you my friend find the words to express. I agree with Gail, you shine a light for all of us with your love of nature and wholesomeness. Have a great day....:-) Hugs, Bernie
Bernie…
Thank you for saying such nice things, although if I'm an example of anything, it's that the only thing I'm much good at is being myself.
Your words are like a bright light...they could bring anyone out of the dark.
: )
Wanda…
You're very kind in saying this…but the truth is I stumble around and fall over things more often than most. My light may be on, but my batteries are pretty weak.
Val…
´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸ ><((((((º>
Lovely!!
Check your roots...you could be related to Rabinendrath Tagore.
Rita…
That's quite a flattering comparison…and true in the way a candle and the sun can both rightly be called lights.
Compared to my insignificant flickering flame, Rabindranath Tagore is a blazing supernova. But it's still nice to tag along in the same breath. Thank you.
Hi Grizz-
I have to admit something. When I read this wonderful-amazing-beautiful expression of words I did not read it as a poem. I think that is because all of your writings are so poetic by their beauty and imaging that I saw this as quite the same. I hope you receive this in the complimentary vein intended.
All of your posts wax poetic.
Love and admiration
Gail
peace...
Scribe--
do you know Haydn's The Creation? At the beginning, the orchestra plays very softly, and then a bass soloist begins with the Genesis words--finally, the music builds, and builds. When the chorus gets to the words "and God said..." "let there be LIGHT!"--the orchestral music blasts and swells. It is the most marvelous musical depiction of the moment light enters the life of this sweet planet earth.
Your poem put me in mind of that Haydn passage.
KGMom…
I do know the piece, and though I wasn't thinking about it at the time, it is appropriate to something of what I was trying to invoke here—Hayden being Hayden and me, well…being me, a talent gulf that staggers the imagination.
I do think the poem (if poem is not too vain a term) needs work—probably much work. I must learn to think and edit differently, to find that combination of narrative clarity and language.
Gail…
That's just fine. I'm of a mind that writing should just be READ…not as a poem or essay, a short story or article, study text or account, but as simply something written. Let the words be the words; let them stand for what they will, a piece of writing that informs or moves, that either contains magic or doesn't.
If my writing contains a certain lyricism, it's because I see most of life in lyrical terms. We Celts are a lyrical people. I strive to construct my thoughts, choose my words, and tell my tales lyrically. I want you as a reader to EXPERIENCE, to feel, see, hear, smell and taste with me. To follow any narrative thread a come away thinking this moment and memory was yours. I want to give it to you, to share it fully.
If I have any writing gift, this is it…and it is also why I'm never quite sure about my poetry. But read anything however your wish—I'll be pleased regardless.
Solitary…
Okay, my poetically-attuned friend—I've rewritten the 2nd and 3rd parts (stanzas?), fiddled slightly with a word or two elsewhere, added a stanza (or whatever it is properly called), and come up with…
LIGHT
Sometimes the light comes
Pouring over the horizon,
Thick and yellow as juice
From a fresh squeezed orange.
Other mornings it slips in
Shy and hesitant, as if
Needing encouragement
To feel comfortable welcome.
Today it came boldly,
Rushing headlong, a sudden
Triumphant brilliance that
Dazzled the startled eye.
The coming of the light
Is as old as time and creation.
Let there be light, said God,
And the new light was good.
So why should I be surprised
By an event that occurs regularly,
Once every twenty-four hours?
Why does the light melt my heart?
Is it because light is holy,
Filled with divine grace?
Or that light enables truth
In clarity and revelation?
Yet am I always gobsmacked,
Overcome with joy and wonder
By this good new light,
Thankful to receive its blessing.
——————————————————
Any improvement? Better but no cigar? Went the wrong way? Don't quit the day job? Still more sow's ear than silk purse?
Have at it. I feel like I've just given my kid a bath and fresh clothes, and sent the little grubber off to a new school. Use my email address if you prefer…but let me know.
....and your gift is received, time and time again. I do feel and smell and see and EXPERIENCE you in your world on the river - the photos, of course, help, but your words, ah -your words - bring magic and wonder and purpose to life - to all of nature and truth. "Thank you".
Love and deep appreciation
Gail
peace.....
Gail…
Thank you. I just don't know what else to say…
Love and light - yours radiate out from this blog and will draw me back again soon.
Hi Grizz, just wanted to say good bye before I left tomorrow on vacation for a couple of weeks. Stay happy and heathy..:-) Hugs
Bernie…
Hey, I'm glad you let me know—otherwise I'd have missed you and wondered what happened.
Enjoy you vacation—rest, relax, see the sights, visit, get away. Whatever your plans, have a great trip. But most of all, stay safe.
Now, saddle the mule, call the dogs, and hit the road!
Bonnie…
First of all, I apologize for not answering your comment sooner. Somehow, I got out of sequence in my replies. I published your comment, looked at your blog…and apparently got distracted and forgot to follow up.
I feel especially bad considering you had such nice things to say about Riverdaze.
I hope you do return, and often. And please know that—in spite of this initial lapse in hospitality—you are always welcome.
Quite simply -- it's a beautiful poem, Grizz. I'll be looking at dawn in a different "light" now. ;) Here it's a shy, hesitant morning, a no-orange-juice kind of daybreak.
Love your photos, your words, the peace you bring through your blog. Thanks.
Brenda
Brenda…
Same kind of morning here, too—although the sun has now finally decided to make an appearance.
I love poetry, and try my hand at it from time to time, with at best, mixed results. I take the few poems I write seriously and am always willing to be helped and taught.
But I also appreciate very, very much your kind words. And not only about my recent poem (which, I thought, turned out pretty good for me) but also about the photos and blog in general. I try and treat readers and those who are nice enough to take time to post a comment, exactly the way I want to be treated. They are welcome guests here. You are welcome here—I want you to feel comfortable and have a good visit…and return.
So thank you again.
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