Of Leaves, Squirrels, Dogs, and Dances

[I Love Bagpipes]

Perusing one of my journals I found this. I wrote it December, '04. I was still in TWI at that time and never shared the poem because I thought it was so off the Word. :(

So..I'll share it here. The leaves they are a changing color!!!

Of Leaves, Squirrels, Dogs, and Dances

I look out my kitchen window.

Nature has again made her mark.

The change of seasons has again landed.

She didn't ask my permission to make this change.

She didn't scatter her leaves in an orderly fashion.

She allowed them to fall where they may.

Yet there is great purpose in what she does and what she allows.

I observe the squirrel.

All that matters to him is the next nut...

Or the next squirrel to chase around the tree.

I observe the dog.

All that matters to him is the next two-legged animal that comes along

to caress and talk with him....

or the next meal...

or the next intruder.

The animals do not worry or engage in much ado.

Aye...I do think the animals in many ways are wiser than man.

What is their secret?

Simplicity and instinct.

Oh humankind...

why have we allowed so much complexity, strife, and unease?

Where have our instincts gone?

Who has stolen them?

And why did we let allow it?

Perhaps if we jump off the "Jones" wheel...

perhaps if we smile and touch again...

perhaps if we quiet ourselves long enough to observe the animals,

even in the cities...

Perhaps we can again arrive at simplicity....

arrive at instinct...

arrive and arise each day with thankfulness in our hearts

and a skip in our step.

Perhaps then life in all its richness

and oneness can be enjoyed

And we can basque in all the goodness

with which we are surrounded.

Will you join me?

Here...take my hand and dance with me.

Show me your steps and I'll show you mine.

And together we can make our lives, our families, our world

A little better place.

[WhiteDove]

Very Nice.....I love it

[coolchef]

pipes that is wonderful thanks for shareing

[ChattyKathy]

Moved my heart in ways I can't express. ((you))

[likeaneagle]

God gave us special vision..we search, we land, we move and roam..and all the time wasted.....the Touch of the Masters hand and plan.

hugs!! ILB

[Linda Z]

Excellent, thought-provoking stuff. Thanks, ILB!

[waysider]

ILB----------Very nice,indeed!

When I read it , it instantly conjured up the same emotion I used to feel when I heard Judy Collins sing "'Tis a Gift to be Simple". I hope you will share some more.

[VeganXTC]

I think its so cool that you wrote this while you were in TWI. You're a really strong person to not let them squelch your creativity.

Your poem is really beautiful, on many levels.

[I Love Bagpipes]

Thank you very much for your kind words. :) Glad someone got something out of it.

Rereading it, I found a typo. (There shouldn't be "let" before "allow" in that 6th verse.) Lordy me!! There may be a few more typos in there. At least ya'll were able to get around it!

Lae that's a beautiful thought! Even though we may not see it, God is at work in what may look to us chaotic...and if there is true disorder, He can work even in spite of the disorder.

Judy Collins....you are showing our ages WS. Hee. Haven't though of her in awhile. Though I have listened to Joni Mitchell some the last couple years. :)

Vegan, my journaling was my "hiding place" working through so many thoughts my last 5 years in TWI. I could at least have a voice in my journals, until I got the courage for the next step.

Thanks again.

[likeaneagle]

Fall is my fav time of year..I always seem to be more inspired maybe because of change of weather and surroundings..animals get busy stashing food for the winter..big bulky sweaters, reading, alot comes alive for me in the fall. The hughes of color color my world....I probaly listen more to Simon Garfunkel music too....I have no clue why...apple pie in the oven..Peppermint patties and a good book to snuggle with next to a fire place..:)

beautiful work ILB.

Edited October 22, 2006 by likeaneagle

[Stayed Too Long]

I have a dog and also watch the squirrels play in my yard everyday. If my dog Snickers gets to go on a walk, has food and water, and receives some attention, she asks for nothing more. She sleeps much of the day and night, so she must not be fretting about anything that would keep her awake.

The squirrels frollic all day running up and down trees, across power lines, and robbing bird feeders. They are so peaceful to watch.

Thank your for the poem.