Showing posts with label nature. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nature. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Black Elk

Black Elk
Tower of the Four Winds
James M M Baldwin
 
Tree lined pastures rise and crest.
Long white clouds drift unobstructed by blue-eyed-heavens.
Leaves shed sunlit tears across green grass.
Valleys fall to shaded floors deep below.
 
Well-trodden paths meander.
Tiresome climbs.
Leisurely descents.
Bumble bees chase overcurious onlookers from nectar laden blossoms.
 
Bark, gnarly with age, others tender and smooth.
More leaf shapes than most could ever know.
Some reaching high to drink in light.
Others content in their unassuming stature.
 
Multitudinous birdsongs flood clean air nestled between rolling hills.
Numerous flora aromas combine as one bouquet.
Blue jay wings flit unheard through branches.
Unseen insects orchestrate waving grasslands.
 
Sparrows flutter when the man enters their hidden meadow.
Shade welcomes weary travelers.
Smell of green hangs heavy.
Stop, rest, contemplate.
A train whistle blows hidden in the distance.

Peace and love,
Jim

Monday, May 6, 2013

Seagulls at the Walmart


Seagulls at the Walmart
James M M Baldwin

A screeching gull o’er
Rolling tides of ocean waves
Surfers bob in a salty sea
Sandy shores burning the souls of feet

Graceful flight
my heart is longing
days of sun and drifting blue
warm winds kiss my rosy cheeks

But alas, it is Nebraska
At Walmart no less
Nay an ocean a thousand miles
No fishing allowed
in the frozen food section

What brings this majestic bird?
Scavenger though he is
To my corner of the planet
To brighten my day?
To sprinkle morning cheer?

Across fields of wind-blown plastic bags
Beyond corrals of wobbly wheeled carts
Past the puddles of oil stained blacktop
He has come to dine
In the trash bin at the fast food shop


Jim

Friday, November 16, 2012

Life's Autumn




















Life’s Autumn
James M M Baldwin

Silver sunlit rays traverse a lavender sky
A fragile hand clings to life

Purple clouds trimmed in gold hide a setting sun
Hope remains amid enthusiastic prayer

Copper hues dapple autumn leaves
Disease enforces its penalty

Birds speckle the sky departing for southern lands
Loved ones visit but return whence they came

A season ends
Death claims its prize

A distant star lights the dark
A wandering soul finds an eternal home


Saturday, September 29, 2012

Rain on a Tin














Rain on a Tin Can
James M M Baldwin

Some scoff at my empty cans
"They're an eyesore"
"They're garbage"
"They're ugly"

Some complain about the rain
It'll drench my clothes
It'll ruin my new shoes
I just washed my car

The rain brings my empty cans to life
A gentle pinging lullaby
A distant rumble adds the bass
The rhythm slows and rises with the storm