Hawks circle the mountain top, hunting. In the years that I’ve been here, it is the first that I’ve noted so many hawks in one spot on a regular basis. They circle by morning and dusk and it is quite a sight. I see them on my drive to town, over the hill, I do look and I keep my eyes on the road, but I keep stealing glances because I want this moment to stay with me, of the wheat colored grass, against the sky—whatever shade of blue or grey it is that day—and the freedom and strength of these massive creatures, that hunt with grace, that fly with ease and circle round and then swoop down. They cooperate with each other, circle round each other.
In my own little space, one hawk does fly and swoop—hunts to stay alive.
8 comments:
Upon reflection, I realize and it amazes me how inspiration collides to bring something out of us. Lu’s poem, “Cronos” made an impression on me. Later, while I was re-looking at some photos for another piece that I am working on, I had this hawk photo in with the collection and it brought together, my having “lived” with, “sat” with the hawks inside myself for the past week, and looking forward to seeing them in the mornings, not sure when they will move on. So, it was the combination, I believe—of Lu’s poem and the hunt—along with my photo and bringing these different parts to me. So, thank you, Lu for the inspiration. I love mystery. I love nature. I love the process and how little lights flash and how they are there for us to cease.
I have another image that is still floating inside of me and I hope to photograph it soon before it’s gone. I began writing about it, but it was too soon. How I love the process!
Rebb,
I know how exciting the process is, and I understand the following:
I want this moment to stay with me.
The hawk in the photo seems coming toward you. I'm sure he was if you had a barbecue sandwith in your hand.
Thank you, Rebb, for kindly reading what I wrote! That hawk photo is fantastic! I like to observe hawks, too. In fact, I like to observe hunters in general. Their stalking, their moves, and their perfect timing for catching their prey work for me as metaphors for a lot of things in life.
Keiko and Rebb, you ladies might like this website:
http://endicottstudio.typepad.com/poetrylist/folklore_myth_poems/
Keiko, Yes, so many moments too. I’m glad you know how exciting the process is, especially when you’re working on your stories and poem, I bet—and just walking. :)
If I had a barbecue sandwich, he may have crashed right into me to get it. Hehe.
Lu, I’m glad you like the hawk photo. I was using a different camera, so that’s the closest I could get. It was difficult to hold still, but I’m glad you can see him. Yes, it is fascinating to watch other hunters. That’s great that you use their hunting techniques, timing and the catch—as metaphors for life. Would love to read more if it happens to spill onto your blog :)
Thank you for the website. I’ve bookmarked it and actually found two titles in the reading lists that caught my fancy under adult fairy tales and they are in my local library, so I’m excited.
Lu,
Thank you for the site. I saw Margaret Atwood in the reading list under Adult Fairy Tales.
That's something I'd like to read, and the titles grabbed my attention.
Rebb,
The first time I looked at the site, I missed the Adult Fairy Tale part. Thank you.
Lovely. Yesterday - for me - it was buzzards. They're much despised in our modern culture, but were seen as wise spirit teachers by many in ancient times. Whatever. They have a magnificent ability to soar - I watched as 6 of them circled and soared above the farmers field across the road from me, then gently drifted towards me until at last they were circling above my own house, and then drifted on to the west. It was a sight both beautiful and powerfully free.
Hayden, That sounds so amazing, to be able to watch for such an extended period of time and then to have them above you and move on. I especially like too, when there is a lone hawk that I see further out or even crows do this, but they catch the wind like a wave and just stay there, wings expanded, staying right there in the center. I just love watching when they do that, but it has to be a windy day.
On another note, your experiences remind me of a class I once took in 2004. I believe it was called, “The many faces of psychology.” One of our experiential activities was that the instructor took us through a Shamanic Journey. I enjoyed it and it was great for our small class to be there in the quiet and the dark, laid out comfortably on the floor, some on chairs, the drums thumping into our souls. Some people had really connected. I then bought a book called, “Shamanic Journeying: A Beginner’s Guide” by Sandra Ingerman. I just went to my back closet where I had it. I think I’m going to revisit it. Thanks for reminding me :)
Post a Comment