Meandering in Nature

Words seem inadequate to describe the beauty of nature and agreeable weather. Water has always drawn me in so it was no surprise that the lake beckoned me. In search of a photo of the owl standing guard at the dock, I discovered an interesting German name on one of the boats: Zeitgeist. It translates into several English words and means “spirit of the time or age.”

The name is reminiscent of one of the sayings above the Norlin Library at the University of Colorado at Boulder where I spent some of my undergraduate and graduate years. “Enter here the timeless fellowship of the human spirit” were the words drawing me into the wonders of the library. Sometimes my spirit or soul bursts with all the surprises of Mother Nature. The sounds and sights intrigue me to new discoveries. A hint of red between the leaves or on the trees entice me to compose poetry.

Inspiration is to be found everywhere if we only look closely. Taking time from life’s overload of activities and being in the moment are important to finding a balance in our world of tech gadgets. Consciously turning them off causes us to give pause to the beauty surrounding us. Snippets of conversation walked past and people sat on park benches gazing at the lake or reading a book. Finally, I too am learning to decelerate and enjoy life’s small pleasures.

Beauty

Life never ceases to amaze.
Letting the mind wander
evokes words and images
which calm the spirit.

The outdoors beckons
me now: the graceful swan,
the blue heron, the crickets
and Canada geese flying above.

I yield to these gifts
of nature and savor
the moments before
harsh winter arrives.