This week it’s snowing in the Blue Ridge Mountains, but last week the weather was mild. Cool enough to set a fire outside in the fire pit, yet warm enough to run and play without a jacket on. Our family vacation the week after Christmas was as good as it gets. I wrote about it here for Slice of Life.
Today’s photo was one I took in the late afternoon as the sun was setting over the hills beyond our mountain house. This photo captures the peaceful magic of time to do nothing much. As the weather has turned to winter storms and cold temperatures this week, I hope this photo brings a peaceful moment of warmth. Write with me. Leave your small poem in the comments and come back to respond to other writers. Happy new year of writing.
Muse in the magic
Margaret Simon, draft
of a smoking fire
freeing your soul
to rest
on God’s roof.
Reflections on the Teche 
Lovely, “muse in the magic and God’s roof.”
What a photo, too. Such a pretty mountain scene.
On the eighth day
God taught
the man and woman
to make a circle
of sticks
light a fire
then look out
into His garden
and, it was good.
“And it was good” is such a simple yet powerful statement. When we take the time to notice and be still. Thanks for this 8th day poem. Are you familiar with Cursillo? 8th day reminds me of the concept of the 4th day.
May EVERY day be the eighth day.
Linda, I love this 8th day concept.
A beautiful reminder. Thank you, Linda.
Oh to have one more day to learn, to be, to look at the garden we are so lucky to behold. Thanks for this poem, Linda.
A beautiful poem on the creation of life. “and, it was good” is a great way to end the poem, Linda.
So much renewal in this photo and in your poem. What a lovely vacation.
What is real?
Is it…
Worry, hate, the race, the fear?
Tireless regrets that hover like gray clouds?
What is real?
It’s this…
Fire, earth, tree, and stone
And light, sweet light, that overcomes the darkness.
Lovely…just lovely. Let’s focus on what is real.
Susan, It’s so fun to see you hearing playing with your muse. The question of reality is a powerful one. I love the last line “and light, sweet light..” Thanks for brightening my day.
Light over dark. Yes.
Love the question of what is real and the importance of remembering that light, sweet light, will overcome the darkness.
Be the light, find the light. So important to make our own light when we find ourselves in the darkness. And when nature speaks, we need to listen. Your poem makes me think, Susan.
What a photo. What a vibe.
upwind of the smoke
downwind from the holidays
fire pit memories
I want that as the welcome sign on my future retirement cabin!
Love this, Mary Lee!
Downwind and unwind Thanks for writing today.
Fire pit memories, nailed it…..there is something wonderful about gathering around the fire, talking, settling in, sharing, a guitar and songs. And the unwinding. Your haiku says so much.
Yes, Mary Lee, the photo does leave us with the warmth of family recounting their lovely holiday. I like the directional words.
Margaret-
Not only is your poem beautiful, but there were so many poetic phrases in your post. I felt compelled and inspired to borrow a few.
An Invitation
The majestic blue mountains
invite me to pause
listen
dream
in this peaceful magic of time
in this peaceful moment of warmth.
Come with me.
Rose, you honor me with this poem. Thanks.
A lovely “found or borrowed” poem, Rose, capturing the truth of those wonderful moments.
I love the invitation at the end.
August Lessons
Every summer we camped.
Hiked, stared at stars, sang
campfire songs from our hearts.
Forest ranger talks,
tidal pool walks.
Too many states to name,
Too many sites to explain.
So many memories made there.
So much love shared.
Marshmallows roasted
to golden, gooey goodness,
nestled by the fire.
Janet Clare F. draft
Your photo brought me so many wonderful memories…..a lifetime’s worth.
Oh Janet, I love this memoir poem. Makes me wish I was a camper.
Thank you, Margaret. I would say that when God saw your family and campfire breathing in the mountain air, resting and loving, He smiled and said, “this is good,” then sat nearby and enjoyed every moment with you.
I love the repetition of “too many” and “so many/much!”
Margaret, your photo is so lovely, I wish I was there soaking in the moment of warmth with your family. We also went from spring-like weather to chilling winter temps. Freeing your soul and the mention of God were strong lines in your poem.