This morning the world looked as if it was a black and white photo. Fog, ice and general dampness shimmered in the air. I slowly walked to the pond on my way to the studio, studying the great blue heron slowly flapping past, gliding above the frozen ice, wondering how it feels to be that long winged long legged bird.
On my way to an appointment, I heard an interview with the great great grandaughter of Charles Darwin, Ruth Padel. She has recently written his biography in verse. As she spoke of her family and Darwin she conveyed their deep love of nature imbued with a sense of sheer wonder. She quoted Darwin as saying, "if I'd have my life to live over again, I would make it a rule to read a poem a day."
Flying at Night
Above us, stars. Beneath us, constellations.
Five billion miles away, a galaxy dies
like a snowflake falling on water. Below us,
some farmer, feeling the chill of that distant death,
snaps on his yard light, drawing his sheds and barn
back into the little system of his care.
All night, the cities, like shimmering novas,
tug with bright streets at lonely lights like his.
Ted Kooser
Published in "Flying at Night"
On my way to an appointment, I heard an interview with the great great grandaughter of Charles Darwin, Ruth Padel. She has recently written his biography in verse. As she spoke of her family and Darwin she conveyed their deep love of nature imbued with a sense of sheer wonder. She quoted Darwin as saying, "if I'd have my life to live over again, I would make it a rule to read a poem a day."
Flying at NightAbove us, stars. Beneath us, constellations.
Five billion miles away, a galaxy dies
like a snowflake falling on water. Below us,
some farmer, feeling the chill of that distant death,
snaps on his yard light, drawing his sheds and barn
back into the little system of his care.
All night, the cities, like shimmering novas,
tug with bright streets at lonely lights like his.
Ted Kooser
Published in "Flying at Night"
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