By Carol H Ehrlich
Denver Branch, Colorado
(Published in Colorado Country Life, Sept 2021)
Perched on my window frame
so close I could touch
save for the glass,
a finch tips his head,
living his days in simple purpose.
Just outside my kitchen
a mule deer nips
at weeds in the yard.
She glances up, then nibbles more,
Intent on her belly-filling task,
undisturbed before winter sets in.
On the lake below me
a lone sailboat inches slowly
toward some obscure destination,
guided by today’s lazy winds
and the sailor’s knowing touch.
White sails gleam against the bluest water.
Shadow Mountain beyond
stands sure and forever —
no matter the rain, the snow, the hail —
a natural monument
that always grounds me.
I watch from my rustic kingdom,
gather the riches in my heart,
sense tears beginning to form,
and know what joy is all about.
I am too much of a common person to even recognize poetry but, I do like this. Especially the part about the “Shadow mountain”. My friend told me many years ago, as we sat on a hillside looking at the great mountains beyond ~ he a ‘non-believer for life” said in the quietest and calmest of voices “If there is a God ~this is where he lives.” I have never forgotten that moment and I found it again in your poem. Thanks for sharing–Pete
Gathering the riches of September in her heart–how beautiful!
Something to remember in the dead of winter?
JUST A JOY TO READ. SO WELL WRITTEN
THANKS FOR SHARING
I share the joy you express in your lovely poem.
Beautiful Carol! So calming and serene. Your perfect measure placed me next to you in the moments.
Love your poem and your/our connection to nature.. And yes, it is with the heart that we experience our connection. The etymology of courage is “coeur” (heart in French) and it takes courage to listen to the heart.
Thank you for adding your insight! I don’t know French, so your comment was enriching for me!! Carol
Very uplifting poem about the simple things around us which we often times ignore or miss their sheer beautiful!
Such a beautiful poem…