Be Still
after Psalm 46
be still and know speak not at all but hear strong the wind blows be still and know that I am near be still and know keep eyes both open wide around I go it’s always so I’m by your side be still and know behold what is up high what now I grow as I bestow will touch the sky be still and know and hear the blackbird’s trill and I will show it where to go up on the hill be still and know that My creation’s all around a steady flow some fast some slow and all abounds Yesterday I visited the West Bloomfield Woods Nature Preserve, a 162-acre tract of land in southeast Michigan, 40 miles from Detroit, with walking trails and many trees, mostly of the oak, hickory and black walnut varieties. It is a home to white-tail deer, foxes, coyotes, weasels, mink, salamanders and frogs, as well as over a hundred species of birds (not right now, however). This park was once also known for it's Great Blue Herons, but they have moved along to new nesting places after a winter storm a few years ago broke down a number of trees housing their rookery. They still live around other lakes nearby. There are many wetlands within the park, some of which are dry in the summer (vernal ponds), while others drain into a branch of the Rouge River. Right now, the park is mostly quiet, except for the lovely sound of wind in the trees and an occasional red-winged blackbird. It's unusually peaceful in this park, as it is a little too early for the sounds of frogs and insects. Leaves are just emerging, so it's getting green, but the greenest things in the preserve right now are the algae-laden ponds.
It was rather windy at the park, so the trees were swaying, and some were creaking or groaning.
There’s something so calming about the white noise of trees and wind!
The Canada geese swimming in this wetland were silently scooping up the thick, green algal glop that covers most of the pond. Looks like a smoothie!
Narcissus poeticus was also growing everywhere. It is also caled poet's daffodil (how appropriate!), poet's narcissus, pheasant's eye, findern flower, pinkster lily or nargis. It is in the amaryillis family. This flower was likely introduced here in the 1800’s from Europe, where they are very commonly found. The trilliums that grow in this park are also emerging, but the flowers aren’t out yet.





I had a beautiful meditative break in outdoor work yesterday. I sat enjoying the sun's warmth and the birdsongs. All was well with me and the world. I felt as though I had a very restorative nap. I want to revisit that place again, please.
Beautiful poem, beautiful pictures, and beautiful thoughts. The sort of trifecta we should all seek more of. Thanks Carole.