Just a Question

Measured calm and step by step

the dawning day was quiet ~

Tasks set out were coming fast

steps quickened faster still.

Throughout the day tho’ order held sway, the pace kept churning faster.

Days end drew nigh, sleep softly called and from dreamland a question arose ~ For this transition from slow to fast, when do gears begin to shift?

“We hear only those questions for which

we are in a position to find answers.”

~ Friedrich Nietzsche

The Elements of Caution

When transition moves steadily onward with energy of direction, intention and purpose ~

Transition is like the wind

blowing through trees and grass

moving the seemingly immovable

rearranging leaves and petals as they fall

sweeping dust and dirt into dark corners

Transition is like the sun in springtime

encouraging growth and new life

bringing light to shadow and darkness

warming the soil readied for planting

throwing dapples of light through greening trees.

Transition is like rain building in the sky

slanting down on streets, houses and fields

washing away years of built up grime

soaking into all that it lands on

running in rivulets throughout many lives

But when transition is forced and hurried ~

transitions’s wind becomes wild and destructive

tearing down all in it’s path

swirling dangerous tornadoes.

transition’s sunlight is harsh and glaring,

drying up land, killing growth with it’s heat

parching skin and eyes.

transition’s rain becomes a great storm

changing landscapes, drowning lives

pulling spirit into a great eddying vortex.

“More firm and sure the hand of courage strikes,

when it obeys the watchful eye of caution.”

~ James Thomson

The Bridge Before

Earnest troubled face

eyes darting, searching 

heart and mind disconnected

longing for and reeling away all at once

hesitation at the edge of a bridge

once crossed safely but only briefly

a transition beginning with fear and pain

enjoying clarity and health

many months long but

vanished in a second as one more bridge burned.

‘Just once’ is never enough.

“Sometimes you get the best light from a burning bridge.”

~ Don Henley

Tinker Bell Wing Transition

Children’s chattering delight in 

clear candy suckers with bugs in the middle,

toys that just looked like fun

transitioned at the speed of a tinker bell wing

at the sight of real live bugs to hold

walking sticks and beetles

spiders and cock roaches

chatter suspended in rapt and eager attention.......

“Children should be encouraged to watch, patiently and quietly, until they 

learn something of the habits and history of bee, ant, wasp, spider, hairy 

caterpillar, dragon-fly, and whatever of larger growth comes their way.”

~ Charlotte Mason

Abundance and Sunshine

There is no way to understand a fickle appetite!  Most of the afternoon I had delicious thoughts about food - mostly of the protein variety. Not yogurt or legumes or milk - not even eggs!

Steak.  Medium rare with mushrooms drizzled on and around.  Potato - baked or mashed with garlic - not necessary but would not be turned down.

Then I walked in the sunshine to the post office and then to the deli beside it. Cook Street Village is so very convenient. In the deli, I examined closely their offerings, tempted by many but succumbed by none.  One other errand to do - my weekly movies from Pic a Flic, so wandered down the sidewalk, a bit of window shopping on my way.  Movie and buttered popcorn later on - an important tradition for me.

Wafting on an ever so faint, sun drenched evening breeze a very luring aroma causing my steak fantasy to fade to black. (My food appetites are so very fickle: aroma always trumps fantasy creating a new fantasy complete with watering taste buds.) 

A burger - not just any burger, but a Big Wheel burger. A quick trip across the street, I entered this den of iniquity and decadence. With little hesitation my order was placed:  a cheese burger with bacon. Not cutting myself any slack, I sat in front of the kitchen listening to sizzling and frying, cooks calling out names and order numbers, breathing deeply the fatty aroma of burgers and fries.

We are truly blessed in this land where a sudden transition of taste can be satisfied with a stroll down the street and a few dollars in our pockets.

“From  abundance springs satiety.”

~ Livy

In Their Defense

Sleek blue light flashing crime stoppers

Long red ladder trucks rolling out to fire emergencies

White vans with red crosses race to aid the injured

When someone's mental health goes awry,

who is on the scene?

In the midst of the chaos of 

crime, accident, and burning buildings

“show no fear!”

reaction calm and ordered

At least that is expected

Transition from criminology to pathology

a huge leap in generational ideals, expectations and attitudes

Dealing with acute mental health in

the panic of such moments

rips open demons and memories

~ minds and hearts of the protectors 

becoming unguarded ~ unprotected.

“All growth is a leap in the dark, a spontaneous 

unpremeditated act without benefit of experience.”

~ Henry Miller

Experience, Strength and Hope

Infants grow and learn

trying out the ‘right’ behaviour

innate longing for

joy, acceptance and love.

absorbing surrounding, moving life

learning fear and hesitation from

anger, ridicule or laughter

through each day, minute and year

skills are polished, abilities honed

learning manners and etiquette

inner strength builds from experience

transitioning 

from shy and retiring 

to belief and self confidence 

suddenly aware of

shaped and moulded wisdom

from life lessons tossed into each day.

“Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely.”

~ Auguste Rodin