GRATITUDE WEEK 2017 – THURSDAY

By Bernadette

I am participating in Gratitude Week 2017 which is hosted by the very lovely Michelle at Michellegd.com.  It is for one week and open to anyone.

One of the things in my life I am so consistently grateful for is bearing witness to the change in seasons.  I have been graced to live in Haddonfield for 39 years and there has been no finer place on the planet to watch this beauty unfold.

I took this picture last week.  I was struck by the contrast of the unseasonal warm weather and the stark November landscape. If the weatherman is right about this week, you better go looking for that sweater.

And I stumbled upon this poem awhile ago and I think it is perfect for this month.

The Birds

BY LINDA PASTAN

are heading south, pulled
by a compass in the genes.
They are not fooled
by this odd November summer,
though we stand in our doorways
wearing cotton dresses.
We are watching them
as they swoop and gather—
the shadow of wings
falls over the heart.
When they rustle among
the empty branches, the trees
must think their lost leaves
have come back.
The birds are heading south,
instinct is the oldest story.
They fly over their doubles,
the mute weathervanes,
teaching all of us
with their tailfeathers
the true north.

About Bernadette

I live in the small town of Haddonfield, NJ. I am at an age in my life when I seem to spend time thinking and musing about life. These musings are usually stimulated by my walks through Haddonfield, my reading of books and fellow bloggers, and my interaction with my group of fabulous family and friends.

16 Responses

  2. delphini510

    “teaching all of us
    with their tailfeathers
    the true north.
    ”
    Wonderful end to a beautiful poem. I am s grateful for birds, for trees, for a fresh breeze on my face.
    Thanks Bernadette

    miriam

    Like

  6. roughwighting

    I lived for 20 years in the SF bay area, where the coldest winter day hit 45 degrees, and many January days hit 70. So I’m reaching for your gratitude for the winter season in New England. I do appreciate the sharp blue sky on a frigid day, a reading chair by the fireplace as the snow falls, soft classical music warming up my soul inside when it’s 20 degrees outside. xo

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Shallow Reflections

    I agree with you about the change of seasons, Bernadette. I do love the distinct changes. The poem is lovely. In my area, I’ve been noticing a surprising number of RVs packing up and heading down the interstate. I think I even saw them in an V formation. 😀

    Liked by 1 person

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