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A Wild Journey

by Sandra Bennett
TCF

23 Oct

~ a skein of Canada Geese ~
One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice–
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
“Mend my life!”
each voice cried.
But you didn’t stop.
You knew what you had to do, 
though the wind pried 
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do–
determined to save
the only life you could save.”

~ Mary Oliver, The Journey ~

~ Canada Geese ~
It’s turned frosty here on the farm and this morning rain, cold, drizzle and, just maybe, sleetish mix was added. Yesterday, I took time to check the heating pipes and then, turned the thermostats to 60. This is a big house, with ten foot ceilings and as tight as sieve; I always wanted Dave to put in a gas fireplace in our bedroom but he was afraid of propane gas poisoning. I’d just shake my head and add another layer blanket. I mean, really!, when you can see the curtains blowing, do you really think things are too tight and propane gas poisoning is a potential problem? I have noticed since using Quik Crete to plug the foundation, the wind isn’t making a fuss inside and it’s also a bit quieter…what gifts and blessings! 
~ Canada Geese lessons, here ~
It seems most contradictory that in Autumn, when human hearts turn toward hearth and home, the wild cries of Canada Geese are a call to action. They circle the valley, always twice and sometimes more, before landing in the field across the house to glean corn left from last week’s chopping. 
Usually, their cries are heard before my eyes spy them, this morning no exception and I made a mad dash for the camera, feet slipping out of bedroom shoes to scurry faster. The dogs crazed with excitement, all of us bunched at the door, then hurtling down the steps across the frosty leaves and grass, dashing across the yard to get the best photo. 
~ questions and answers, here ~
Flannel night gown flapping around bare legs, naked feet skimming across wet yard, dogs barking loudly and dancing around me, caught up in my excitement as the geese circle, honk, circle, honk. I wonder if these are some of the same geese I waved to in late spring as they flew on their journey and decide, yes, some are old friends. 
~ three guinea fowl ~
At some point this summer, we had a violent storm and six guinea fowl blew in; three are left and have made their way from road to barn lot to yard. I’d rather they didn’t visit the porches but have budgeted for food to feed them this winter. Guineas are not only entertaining but they are good watch critters as well and, when disturbed, they’ll call out loudly and readily; listen here to see what I mean.
I always told Dave we had a unicorn flying over the farm; we can’t see it but the lost, wayward and those needing sanctuary and rescue can see it and they make their way here. In case you don’t know, unicorns are the “patron saints” of lost, wayward foundlings. No one can convince me otherwise that unicorns are only mythical creatures. I believe they lived as flesh and blood but were hunted out of existence; remember the Dodo bird? There are many extinct species, see here for the top ten. The Bible, King James Version, mentions unicorns more than half dozen times but scholars say the Biblical unicorn isn’t the unicorn we think of today…a horse with a horn in its forehead. I say, prove it but it cannot be proven and I’m both comfortable and happy in my belief. What does it hurt? Nothing and I cannot understand why people get so riled when someone disagrees with their interpretation…especially when it’s something as simple as unicorns. It’s not as if we’re arguing about salvation!
This day is crazy…the heavy winds are blowing clouds over the valley and within a ten minute period, we’ll have rain and wintery mix and then blue skies and sun. Still, outside chores have to be done and they aren’t getting done with me at the computer. 

Blessings ~ Canada Geese ~ three guinea fowl ~ unicorns ~ poetry ~ this Wild Journey called Life ~
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Comments

  1. Carol says

    October 26, 2013 at 4:32 am

    Just beautiful, Sandra, lovely photos and really great writing.

    Reply
  2. Sparky says

    October 25, 2013 at 7:26 pm

    I can really relate to this post. We have so much wildlife here. Georgia has so many geese now that they've expanded the hunting season. They make some good eating.

    I wonder sometimes about unicorns because they are mentioned in God's Holy Word. I suspect they could have been Addax or one of the members of the Oryx family (both antelope). From a distance they resemble a single horn. They where nearly hunted to extinction. There are only small herds of them now.

    Aren't I a buzz kill? *lol*

    Well hope you got all the chores done. It's been so pleasant here that we've been working outside a lot. The pine straw has finished falling and is used for decorations around plants and such. Now the yard is looking super. Very "fall-ish".

    Luv ~:)

    Reply
  3. GretchenJoanna says

    October 25, 2013 at 4:34 am

    I like that poem, and will save it. I like that you had the joy of hearing the geese call you to the action of taking their picture – I was afraid they might only be calling you to get busy with your farm work. 🙂

    It's good for me to read about you and the farm and your inspiring work ethic. Thank you for keeping on keeping on.

    Reply
  4. M.K. says

    October 25, 2013 at 12:17 am

    Beautiful! I love seeing geese overhead. We don't see them here, I don't believe, but we did in central NC. I love the picture of you and the puppies dashing outdoors in your pajamas 🙂

    Reply
  5. Vicki Boster says

    October 24, 2013 at 11:21 pm

    Sandra- winter is coming for sure and although I'd like not to think about it– well, I have too! So glad you are feeling more snug in your home. The geese photos are beautiful- that truly is always an amazing site. I'd like to fly south with them:)

    Xoxo
    Vicki

    Reply
  6. Karen says

    October 24, 2013 at 7:56 pm

    What a beautiful piece of writing, Sandra… and I never knew this about Unicorns, and I love them even more now….

    Reply
  7. Jill Cooper says

    October 24, 2013 at 4:48 pm

    Stay warm my friend.

    Reply
  8. Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces says

    October 24, 2013 at 3:52 pm

    I love watching the geese fly over in the fall…and the dogs are finally getting used to it, too! Love your thoughts on the unicorn, I am thinking of them in a new way now, too!

    Reply
  9. LindaSue says

    October 24, 2013 at 2:02 pm

    wonderful word pictures and photos grand also – the joy is there in your words and actions – Much love winging your way –

    Reply
  10. Lynn says

    October 24, 2013 at 10:54 am

    another wonderful Mary Oliver poem she appears to be quite popular with bloggers and I am glad that she is…when I was young and we'd hear the ducks/geese approaching in form before seeing their collective wing flapping sounded like a small aircraft…magic, wonderful shot.love the GH story.

    Reply
  11. Deanna says

    October 24, 2013 at 4:14 am

    When I read about unicorns in the Bible, my eyes bugged out. Isn't that a neat animal!

    Blessings to you.

    I have to talk to myself to stay strong when the cold blows in.
    d

    Reply
  12. NanaDiana says

    October 24, 2013 at 2:25 am

    What a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful post-from the prose at the beginning to the realization of the unicorns. It is always a mystery to me why people have to be RIGHT in their interpretation of Bible TRUTHS! LOL- I think God gave everyone a mind to figure out what He meant.

    I am a believer in magic and wonder as a child sees it-I say- Bring on the Unicorns….

    Blessings- what an uplifting, wonderful post- xo Diana

    Reply
  13. annie says

    October 24, 2013 at 2:21 am

    I just loved this post! Only once have I seen the geese flying in formation here, that was several years ago. It felt like my heart stopped as I watched them wing by. Once in a blue moon a few orphans will settle near the ducks down by the river, but they don't stay around long, too many dogs running loose. Tonight I stood in the darkness and heard a blue heron fly over head squawking as it went, just gave me pause. Big freeze headed our way tomorrow night,,a record low of 24! bundle up!

    Reply
  14. Dewena Callis says

    October 24, 2013 at 1:33 am

    You may not have gotten as much done around the farm while writing this but you have us the gift of this beautiful post, both the poem and your words that gave us another look into your life.

    You are so fortunate to have seen the geese flying overhead. I don't believe I have ever in my life seen that or heard them. Just watched the sweet movie the other night where the man and his daughter have the orphan baby geese to raise and to fly ahead of them to teach them to hibernate.

    I always wanted guinea hens but we were afraid our dogs would chase them.

    We have 3 propane heaters in this old house and I'm not crazy about them but they do keep us warm when keeping the old wood heater got too much for my husband after our sons grew up and left home. No more wood stackers!

    Reply
  15. Lisa @ Two Bears Farm says

    October 24, 2013 at 1:16 am

    I miss our guinea. How cool that you had some settle there. Neat geese shots!

    Reply
  16. abrianna says

    October 24, 2013 at 1:10 am

    I grew up with geese flying south but living where I do now, we don't have geese flying over which makes sense as we are too far south to be in their flight path.

    Reply
  17. kulasa zen says

    October 23, 2013 at 10:39 pm

    Smiling here imagining your mad dash for the camera. You took beautiful photos of those winged friends! I do not think I could survive the cold nights on your side of the world, maybe that is why heaven put me here. I love to see unicorns too! I believe they existed and gone extinct. Thanks for visiting my world. I do not know how to churn butter, but am glad a friend knows how to 🙂 I would love to walk barefoot on your farm and even run like a child and see wondrous skies! I'd help with the chores too! ♥

    Reply
  18. dori says

    October 23, 2013 at 9:27 pm

    I love this scene VERY much:

    "… feet slipping out of bedroom shoes to scurry faster. The dogs crazed with excitement, all of us bunched at the door, then hurtling down the steps across the frosty leaves and grass, dashing across the yard to get the best photo…"

    Thank you, thank you, thank you for these amazing shoots! – and text!

    Reply
  19. Anonymous says

    October 23, 2013 at 9:16 pm

    A lovely post to enjoy this afternoon.

    Reply
  20. Dianna says

    October 23, 2013 at 9:13 pm

    I could sit and read your writing for hours upon end. Have you considered writing a book to share your adventures at Thistle Cove Farm?

    I enjoyed seeing your pictures of the geese…and learning about your love for unicorns…and the poem you began your post with is so lovely.

    As always, it was good to visit with you a spell.

    Reply
  21. Quinn says

    October 23, 2013 at 6:31 pm

    There have been ducks and geese on the little pond every day lately when Piper and I walk (or run, in her case) by. And every time I just keep my fingers crossed that Piper doesn't feel compelled to leap in the water to keep them company. So far, so good!

    Reply
  22. Tombstone Livestock says

    October 23, 2013 at 6:19 pm

    Always fun to watch Canadian Geese, several years ago one of my pastures flooded and there were a pair of Canadian Geese enjoying a stay for a few days, guess they were lost from the rest of the flock.

    If you find drafty spots inside, try some caulk to seal the crack. Take care, keep that stack of quilts close in case it's a cold winter.

    Reply
  23. Michelle says

    October 23, 2013 at 6:08 pm

    You post emanates fall to me; I can see, hear, smell it. It has the somewhat melancholy feel of the season, too; I will be very sad when you are no longer posting from this place.

    Reply
  24. Buttons says

    October 23, 2013 at 5:24 pm

    Oh I love this poem it is absolutely beautiful.
    Love the Canada Geese they are paired for life and it makes me sad to see one alone and I know you understand this HUGS.
    My neighbours have that gas fireplace in their old stone farmhouse and think it is the best thing they ever did. Keep warm my friend. I like the thought of Unicorn over your farm it is probably true. Take care and watch for more things to land there for you:) HUG B

    Reply

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