State and county parks have been closed in NJ since April 7th, and that was quite a blow to our family. Justin and John are avid fishermen and park users, and I often go along to hike, discover, and see what I can see. I understand the reasoning behind the governor's decision, but that doesn't mean it's not yet another loss due to the virus.
But one thing they can't close is the Delaware River. Justin and I desperately needed to get out one night, so we went down to the river. It had rained for the previous 3-4 days, so we knew the river would be high and murky but it didn't even matter. Justin had a new bait caster reel and wanted to try it out, along with the custom lures he had created. He felt better just casting several hundred times, and I felt better watching him and listening to the river.
The evening and its feeling reminded me of a poem I only vaguely remembered but looked up when we got home.
River Roads
Carl Sandburg
Let the crows go by hawking their caw and caw.
They have been swimming in midnights of coal mines somewhere.
Let 'em hawk their caw and caw.
Let the woodpecker drum and drum on a hickory stump.
He has been swimming in red and blue pools somewhere hundreds of years
And the blue has gone to his wings and the red has gone to his head.
Let his red head drum and drum.
Let the dark pools hold the birds in a looking-glass.
And if the pool wishes, let it shiver to the blur of many wings, old swimmers from old places.
Let the redwing streak a line of vermillion on the green wood lines.
And the mist along the river fix its purple in lines of a woman's shawl on lazy shoulders.
They have been swimming in midnights of coal mines somewhere.
Let 'em hawk their caw and caw.
Let the woodpecker drum and drum on a hickory stump.
He has been swimming in red and blue pools somewhere hundreds of years
And the blue has gone to his wings and the red has gone to his head.
Let his red head drum and drum.
Let the dark pools hold the birds in a looking-glass.
And if the pool wishes, let it shiver to the blur of many wings, old swimmers from old places.
Let the redwing streak a line of vermillion on the green wood lines.
And the mist along the river fix its purple in lines of a woman's shawl on lazy shoulders.
I hope there is some nature and renewal ahead in your weekend.
That last photo -- that is zen to me. I'm glad you and Justin could find some time outdoors in a place you enjoy. I hope you have more of it this weekend.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures Bonny. So glad you and Justin could get out for a bit. I like that poem - especially the last line (as I adjust my shawl this morning).
ReplyDeleteThank-you for ALL THAT this morning Bonny. Beautiful visions to begin this rainy dark work day. Wishing you a peaceful and productive (in whatever manner that may be) weekend!
ReplyDeletebeautiful poem! we have been walking our dirt road (that is since paved but old habits etc) and I would like to go to a state park as well. My dad it itching to fish but the weather in western pa has been chilly and wet and he doesn't like that one bit.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely way for you and Justin to get out. I love the pictures, Bonny. The Mississippi river runs right through our city, and Riverside Park has been closed due to people gathering and not practicing social distancing. People! It is supposed to be a pretty weekend here this weekend, so I will be sitting out in the back yard if nothing else. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteFor some reason being near water is renewing. Maybe it's the sound of a river's movement or the calm mirror-like surface of a lake. My soul loves the ocean, too. All county, state, national parks are closed in Utah, but the mountains trails are open (if you can keep your distance). Just being next to a mountain stream would be so nice!
ReplyDeleteI totally get it... I've felt the need for connecting with nature these past few weeks like no other! And I've been searching for all the waterfalls (time to find this week's!).
ReplyDeleteThe photos and that poem . . . what a wonderful combination.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this! The photos are gorgeous and Carl Sandburg's words are perfect!
ReplyDeleteaww. that was lovely.
ReplyDeleteI went out IN THE DRIZZLE and40 degree Day, to plant my clover in the beds I've prepped for 6 weeks. I hope they sprout! I hope the flower and I hope they enrich the soil.....cause that 's the point
What a lovely place to get out and into somewhere in nature. I suppose it is necessary to close state parks. The lake we went to last week is a state recreation area. The playground areas are taped off and the restrooms are closed but we are free to drive in and take a walk or just park in front of the lake and soak in the view. I'm glad you were able to get out.
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely images, Bonny - I can almost hear the water and feel the movement - and the poem is a perfect accompaniment!
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