those little purple flowers growing on the side of the road in eastern wyoming
are yours
the cumulus clouds hanging over the sangre de cristos in late summer
they're yours
the black rocks emerging from the water's edge at old orchard beach
they're yours too
as is the lighthouse at cape elizabeth
that stretch of road on the south shore of lake superior leading to the apostle islands
you know that's yours
the last turn in the road leaving the cumberland plateau
it's all yours
the world and everything in it
My reading of this poem on public radio: https://beta.prx.org/stories/118548
The photograph is mine, taken at Old Orchard Beach, Maine
Amazing... The photo goes so perfectly with this poem. Love this!
ReplyDeleteI was reluctant to use one of my own when there are so many fine images out there, but it was a nice way to honor my time there and the changes it wrought...
DeleteI so needed this reminder today. Thank you Teresa :)
ReplyDeleteYou're most welcome, Seth. I'm always gratified when I learn that a post really meets a need or speaks to someone on a specific day.
DeleteLoved the post but it's such a shame that some people are so selfish that they won't say 'it's yours' but they would rather say 'it's all mine'. That's how we developed conflict.
ReplyDelete"It's mine," is at the root of so many, if not all, of the world's problems, that idea of "possession." Sometimes it's nice to remember that we share this world, all of us...
DeleteA place I've been to, although I usually frequent more northerly areas of Maine. These words, so artfully positioned, and meaningfully strung together, really captured a strong sense of place and purpose for me. Just lovely.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bill. There are so many beautiful places in Maine, but I love the coast.
DeleteVery well written, Teresa. I have similar thoughts when I frequent the National Forests in this part of our country. Doesn't matter exactly where they are or where you live, they belong equally to each of who are citizens of these United States.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. It's a wonderful thing, having places set aside that will (hopefully) remain untouched, that belong to all of us. The world really does belong to each and all.
DeleteExactly, this is why we must stay vigilant in our care of our planet.
ReplyDeleteYes ... absolutely. Thanks for commenting, kat.
DeleteSo, so beautiful. It's just wonderful that you've had the opportunity to share your words in ways other than your blogs. As much as we appreciate them, there are others who deserve to be touched. And really - isn't it wonderful when the circle is closed, even if temporarily or imperfectly? As we like to say in Texas, what goes around, comes around. It's truer than many people think.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda. It's been a wonderful experience and they've asked me to continue to be involved, which makes me very happy. Having it take place in Bemidji was such a wonderful way to bring it back to a place that fostered it.
DeleteOh, yes, life always seems to come around in one way or another .... :)
It was just lovely to hear you speaking....so, now.... you are more 'real', and I can say I heard my blog friend on the radio.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully read Teresa, I know that I shall be listening more times. A supremely wonderful poem. The cadence in your voice
recalled the swell of the ocean, truly lovely Teresa!
Hugs to you,
Jane x
Thank you so much, Jane. I deeply appreciate your comments.
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