Wisdom
written by: Michael L. Utley
I attain wisdom
not from church or pagoda
temple or tabernacle
but from wood and stream
respite achieved through contemplation
of cloud reflections on cobalt alpine tarns
hammocked among granite crags and tors
restoration gifted by toes-in-sand
scamperings on dayspring sea shores
as gulls cavort and sand pipers tempt fate
balance granted by spinning constellations
as Luna tends her silver star-gardens
and earth dreams its pensive dreams
there is wonder
in the fractal crevasses of konara bark
the labyrinths of sandstone lichen mandalas
the ethereal traceries of ghostly hanging moss
promise in each acorn in every copse
as elder oaks impart their ken of centuries
and guard arboreal nurseries with burly boughs
conversation in breeze communiques
thunder rumblings and rain chatter
as heaven above bends earth’s ear
humor in toad-trills and reed whispers
the coquettish giggles of creek cascades
the curious musical burlesque of insects
there is hope
in sudden sunshine after a desert deluge
gilded god-beam-burnished cliff and canyon
arch and hoodoo ablaze with magic-hour fire
solace in quiet tide pools and silent autumn leas
the compassionate chants of mourning doves
the cusp-of-dawn stillness as the universe holds its breath
encouragement in emergent golden winter suisen
evening double-rainbows over August wheat fields
the strident arias of sparrow, lark and finch
renewal in gamboling days-old winter calves
early springtime rills’ first ice-melt
the preening petals of young columbines
but most of all
there is kinship
among everything that lives
all who call Earth home
sea, land and sky
and all who dwell therein
we belong together
not as masters of all
but companions to all
not as kings but stewards
fellow travelers on life’s journey
through glen and hollow
from peak to shore
sharing a common path
let us revitalize our love
for all things
let us return to
our proper place
let us embrace who we are
and why we are here
for that is the first step
toward true wisdom
- Snap-beans in a Wooden Bowl - September 25, 2024
- Wisdom - July 13, 2024
- Spotlight On Writers – Michael L. Utley - June 8, 2024
