~ 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.”
~ 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 ~
Just beautiful, Sandra, lovely photos and really great writing.
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 ~:)
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.
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 🙂
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
What a beautiful piece of writing, Sandra… and I never knew this about Unicorns, and I love them even more now….
Stay warm my friend.
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!
wonderful word pictures and photos grand also – the joy is there in your words and actions – Much love winging your way –
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.
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
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
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!
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!
I miss our guinea. How cool that you had some settle there. Neat geese shots!
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.
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! ♥
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!
A lovely post to enjoy this afternoon.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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