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Vernal Equinox on the Bayou Teche.
Begin with the source,
Lore told again and again,
ancient words from native people–
Teche,
Tesh,
SnakeWater runs through it
brown bayou mud
bound by an ever-eroding shore
Teche,
Tesh,
Snake.Sun sets on vernal equinox
sends rays of light across
cypress trees reflected in still water
Teche,
Tesh,
Snake.–Margaret Simon
Reflections
The name of my blog originates with the bayou that runs behind my house. Bayou Teche was so named for an ancient Native American legend that the warriors battled a huge snake for days, and in finally killing it, the giant serpent created a waterway through where it lay. The Bayou Teche meanders back and forth for 125 miles.
We recently joined the T.E.C.H.E. Project, Teche Ecology, Culture and History Education, a nonprofit with a mission to improve the Bayou Teche for recreation as well as for ecosystem health. One of the perks of membership is the gift of a mile marker. Our house is at mile 69.4. We plan to mount the marker on our wood duck house, but we will wait until Eve, our resident mother, finishes her nesting.
The name of my blog has significance to me. It reflects the place where I live along with my own internal reflections about teaching and writing. Literal and figurative reflections on the Teche.
Reflections on the Teche 
Thank you for answering the question about your blog title; I never would have guessed the answer (I was thinking it was a beginner speller’s version of “teach”). I love the reference to native lore and nature.
Margaret,
Your photo is gorgeous and your poem, wonderful. So glad I was able to enjoy your post today.
The repetition in this poem creates an interesting almost hushed mood for me which is reinforced by the pictures. And as I read it out loud, I realized that I am not certain that I am pronouncing “Teche” correctly – is it teck or tesh? Glad you have a mile marker – and equally glad that Eve can have quiet before you mount it!
Tesh
I may not be a fan of snakes, but the Bayou Tesche story is fascinating. The beauty in your backyard is so very special. I love that you never take it for granted!
The poem is a perfect way to tell the story. How interesting that you will have a mile marker. Your love for the place you live comes through often in your writing.
It’s so interesting to read the history behind the name of your blog. The poem is wonderful.
“Begin with the source…” Layers of meaning here! I love how the bayou influences you and how you share that with us and with others. Beautiful photos!
So fun to read the origin story for your blog. Love the photos you shared, the legend, and your mile marker.
Although I knew some of this story, your new poem is wonderful! I love the repetition of “Teche/Tesh/Snake.” The T.E.C.H.E. Project sounds incredible, and how great you have a mile marker!
Beautiful. I knew your blog title had deep meaning, but now I know even more. The mile marker will make a great addition to the beautiful place you call home. Eve will appreciate you waiting until she has fledged her young!
What beautiful photos! I felt like I understood the powerful sense of place your region plays in your life when I read Bayou Song. This blog post adds to it. Like Catherine, I love the repetition of “Teche/Tesh/Snake”!