#NatureNurtures2020: I Wish

#NaturesNurtures is the mantra I am holding in my heart this month when I #ShelterInPlace. As the news continues to inform us of the apex of COVID-19 and the heroes/sheroes who give selflessly, I am reminded of the words of a Passionist priest, Fr. Cedric Pisenga, who presented his Good Friday television message speaking of selflessness. Then, I read Laura Shovan's #WaterPoemProject Day 19 challenge created by children's book author, Rachel Toalson. Rachel created a water poem prompt: Wishing Well-write a list poem about all the wishes you would toss into a wishing well or pool. It just so happened that simultaneously a Twitter acquaintance crossed my path. As I strolled over to his account, I found a stunning photo that led me to ponder. 

I thought about the I wish poem prompt at Laura's Water Poem Project and made a connection. There are so many ways to bring wishes of peace to others.

I Wish:
I wish I could wish upon a star but none are near.
I wish others could cuddle in darkness without fear.
I wish we could find peace among the headlines.
I wish we could stop what if incessant whines.
I wish I could throw my penny in a dark pond.
I wish I could listen to that penny respond.
I wish my wish for peace to fill the earth.
I wish for lasting Easter joy and mirth.
©CV, 2020

With the last line in place, I traveled back to the black lily pond photo imagining it set against a dark velvet sky waiting for the moon to send light. An image poem evolved.

THIS MORNING:

Reawakening to an amazing sight, I felt my wish growing within morning light and a cloudless, robin-blue sky. May serenity bless your heart and home today as we continue to shelter-in-place, practice social distancing, and wash our hands.

Do you have a digital inspiration (poem, artwork, musical composition, inspirational quote, image poem, or any other artistic expression) to add to my Nature Nurtures Gallery? See the invitation here, a mini-gallery, and the growing padlet of inspiration.

#WaterPoemProject_SOLSC 28

In one drop of water are found all the secrets of all the oceans. -Khalil Gibran

While pondering the above quote from one of my favorite poet-philosopher-writer, Khalil Gibran, I realized the impact of the ocean on my life and mindset. During restless times, I stand at the shoreline where soothing waters bring a sense of calm. I listen to crashing waves roar as screeching seagulls soar in the sky. I watch the radiance of the sun creating glistening diamonds in the water. My senses fill my mind with peace. 

This morning I am left only with the visions of these beach sights for the boardwalk is now closed. While I understand the reasoning behind this move, I regret that the ocean is not available for peaceful walks and wandering thoughts, so needed during #QuarantineLife.

Yesterday, I turned to Laura Shovan's #WaterPoemProject for a bit of #quarentainment peace of mind. I started with Day 5's prompt, Taste of Water, created by my Louisiana poet teacher/slicer friend, Margaret Simon. Recalling a beautiful nature walk at the Marine Nature Study Area nearby, I created two image poems embedded in the same peaceful nature photo I took during my family walk. As the birds soared into the sky that day, I felt a lift, a surge of peace.

Today, I visit another wonderful poet/writer of children's books, another friend, Irene Latham at her Day 1 prompt, The Language of Water, at the #WaterPoemProject. Irene asks us to consider "how water speaks using onomatopoeia and/or dialogue to imagine a conversation with water. 

You trickle. I listen.

The distant rumble of the news flows like water.

You ooze with stillness. I come to your resting spot,

mirroring an image under the shining sun.
You sway with ripples of peace-a cool breeze passes.
A world beyond your waters knows discontent,

shrieking with incessant safety precautions,
"Wash your hands". But you lay quiet

in the same world, sharing your space with those

burdened who seek restful waterside peace.

Come swish your fears away in my waters.       -  © CVarsalona, 2020, Long Island, NY.        

☵        

Each year since March 2015, I have engaged in Two Writing Teachers' Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge. Slicing allows me to ponder life, literacy, and learning, capturing small moments poetically through writing, photography, and digital art. Welcome to Day 28 of 31 days of writing with Two Writing Teachers. 

*Please note the following statement from Laura Shovan: With so many schools closed or meeting online, I am adapting this project for kids. And to make it extra special for everyone during this stressful time, I have invited some author and poet friends to create the writing prompts for us!