“…I was something that lay under the sun and felt it, like the pumpkins, and I did not want to be anything more. I was entirely happy. Perhaps we feel like that when we die and become a part of something entire, whether it is sun and air, or goodness and knowledge.” MY ANTONIA by Willa Cather, P.18, c.1918
the waves of dried grass
drink in the cloudburst of rain
for far too long they have endured the heat of the sun’s rays
for far too long the blades reached out in a tall, stately stature
waiting on command for recognition of their need
when, at last, the rain drops quenched their thirst
giving them strength to go green again
and live in hope
it took patience and strength to wait
it took patience and strength not to allow itself burn in rage
it took patience and strength to open itself to possibilities
the grass did for itself what it could
extending its roots down into the soil and drawing the droplets upward
the grass stood its ground
and did not leave for vacation
perhaps it was the solidarity of the blade formation that gave it strength
what gives nature the resilience to grow again and again?

“Clouds of Flight” Photo Credit: Jane H. Johann, near Palmyra, WI. Sept. 12, 2015
Beautiful passage and poetry, Johann. Your photograph is lovely, too. Have a great weekend and hope you get refreshed. 🙂
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Thank you, Robin! It has been a busy summer…weeding gardens and fixing floors in my little home. Taking a break and reading blogs today…”have to take time to smell the roses,” as Eliza reminded me!
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Rain after a drought, that is magic.
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Indeed!
thanks for stopping by! Love your recent poem!
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Beautiful Jane!
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thank you, Eliza…knowing how much you love Mother Earth, I appreciate your compliment even moreso!
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A profound and thoughtful post – a great way to begin my weekend. All the very best to you, my dear friend.
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Thank you, Rebecca! It is now August, and I see you commented some time in July. I have been busy teaching English online to students in China a few hours a week. I love the experience of meeting new students and teaching! Along with the teaching, my older brother came to help me with repairing my floors. I am blessed! As a result, my writing has taken a back seat…and my thoughts are building momentum! Thank you for your kind compliment on my writing, Rebecca! Best to YOU!
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So wonderful to hear from you and read about all the projects that have kept you busy. I’l be in and out of Internet starting this week but will be back first week in September. Enjoy the last weeks of summer. Talk soon!
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Beautifully written, my friend!!
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You are too kind!
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This is a beautiful take of the sky!❤
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Thank you so much! Mucho gracias!
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thanks…I love the sky…and the clouds that drift by!
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[…] Source: Parched Earth […]
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thank you very much, Miss Betty!
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Catching up on trading my blogs. This poem ihas so much depth anda different perspective, how the weeds themselves feel and how we can apply it to our lives. Excellent-one of your best!
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thank you for your encouragement, Miss Betty! Hope you are doing well! I will go to your blog now!
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