Words might inspire but
no value befalls without action, nor
nor do all the hovering words in
all the languages of the world
speak nearly as well as
digging the shovel into the ground
that seeds can be planted,
for inspiration lasts only as long as
one shower, water enhancing
the sensation imagined,
yet imagination lasts only as long as
one stands under the trickling drops,
wondering when to turn off the water,
exit the shower to recall the
thoughts made brilliant by heat,
echoes, and dampness,
then to tease out the single line
worthy of writing to begin
to plant story, that in time
the bounty can be harvested,
a table set for celebration, and
seeds poured left hand to right,
right hand to left, and back again,
water trickling down and down,
prodigal with promise of food, drink,
ideas to discuss, to plot, to invest,
and dreams to nurture,
vowing more words to rise
before the season of bounty ends,
then to consider from where
the seeds first had come,
who the first planter,
who the gardener, and who the one
who labored long to harvest,
and would seeds appear once more
or take flight forever,
or in a moment of serendipity
bequeath the legacy of
a passion for inventing,
a trove of readers,
a yield of love,
that you and I might one day
decide to grow our garden
and plant our seeds and pray
for rainfall, sunshine, fortune,
then welcome all to the feast
of words gathered from Eden,
hoping to leave the miraculous
breath of curiosity that might inspire
you and you and you and you
with words that tell a story
amen yes amen
Just a Thought 37
Wheat Field by Vincent Van Gogh, courtesy CCO Creative Commons
Comments on: "A New Eden" (31)
A magnificent speech / poem in celebration of the written word – your words are inspiring me, Shari! I love the analogy with nature, planting the seeds, nurturing them, harvesting them – this works wonderfully. An uplifting call to arms (with pens /keyboard) for all writers! 😀❤️
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I’m so honored that you think so, Annika. Thank you.
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There is something about Van Gogh that inspires. Your words are a perfect compliment.
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That’s an interesting observation, Jacqui. Thank you.
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Spoken with the wisdom and love it takes to teach those around her. Very well written, Shari.
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I do try to make sense of it all, Audrey. Thank you.
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Very lyrical, you’ve captured the act of story with a poetic word picture! Well done!
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Thank you, Jenna, I’m glad you think so.
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I think you planted a seed for this one Sharri and brought it to harvest.
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I spent a lot of time thinking about it and then writing and rewriting till about 10 minutes before it published on the site. It’s meant to be read out loud. (I think all poetry should be read aloud.) I’m glad you like it, Irene.
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Funnily I always read poetry out loud (to myself outloud) whereas prose I like silence. I think you have to feel the poetry in the cadence and music it makes. I did like it Sharon.
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I read poetry exactly the same way, my husband often giving me the who-the-heck-is-she-talking-to-now look. You know that look? Dogs never question, only husbands.
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Hahaha. Yes I know that look but I don’t get it as much as I used to. Mind you, now we are back to sharing an office the looks may return.
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Life is all compromise. Put Muffin between the two of you.
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LOL
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I did read it aloud (I always do with poetry) – and it´s even more beautiful then, Shari! I love the analogy of writing and gardening! Especially now that everything´s abloom again and I´m on the lookout for new lovely plants in the garden centers. 😉
Happy writing, dear friend! 🙂
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It was the few flowers in our garden that got me started. Other than those courageous blooms, I’m not a great gardener. Thanks for reading, Sarah.
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Gardening takes a lot of time which in your case is better spent with writing I think. 😉 And also who says weeds aren’t pretty? I think they’re are wonderful like dandelions and they don’t need a lot of attention, so maybe a wild garden would do for you? Those are the ones I prefer anyway. 😊
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Thanks, Sarah, for thinking wild is lovely – it’s my preference. Unfortunately, our garden is mostly dead leaves from the overhanging eucalyptus trees and asparagus ferns that have taken over the few other plants that were trying to make a stand. You’re right – I’m better at writing and painting. At least, I hope so.
We are slowly transitioning to succulents and native plants, more natural here in drought-ridden Southern California.
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You had me at “shower” . . . had to reread twice because all I could do was picture you getting the inspiration for this poem while taking a shower. (It was G-rated, you had your back turned). Projection is a marvelous thing – since I sprained my ankle and can’t take a shower my psyche (and my body) is undoubtedly longing for immersion.
It was a good read all three times.
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Three times? You read my poem three times? I’m astonished and humbled, Judy, thank you.
Thank you for turning around. I get a lot of ideas while showering and walking and unfortunately, I forgot many once I’m dry. I keep a pad and notebook in the bathroom and that helps.
And please get better soon. I think your foot is taking too long a time to heal but at least it is getting better.
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A bountiful poem, Sharon – I too love this analogy! Inspiring to our muses, no doubt.
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Thank you, Betty, very pleased you liked this one.
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What an excellent piece. Inspiring. Imaginative. A perfect poem for the image.
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I’m so glad you like this one, Andrew.
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Wish you did more writes like this.
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I’m not sure what you mean. Short ones? My Just a Thought series are always under 300 words. Or poetry? I don’t really consider myself a poet, just a dabbler. Or, what? Please let me know, I’ll try to comply.
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These inspirational pieces. It was really wonderful.to read.
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Oh! I intend for everything I write to be inspirational, but what inspires one person may bore another. Inspiration is hit and miss dependent on factors I can’t anticipate. I appreciate you letting me know what moves you. I suspect you were one of the few – maybe the only – reader who picked up on the aspects of love running through Eden. They were more subtle than comparing gardening to writing.
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Oh! you have fed my soul with your poem! to aspire towards Eden …
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Thank you, Julyn, you’re very kind.
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