A perfect place for a walk in the rain. One Man’s Dreary is One Woman’s Beauty
I walked today and I went for miles,
Cultivation that used to be routine.
It’s been awhile since I’ve done that,
But my steps were strong and measured
And my heart pounded.
That’s the way it is supposed to be.
It was raining and I let the rain fall on my face.
It wasn’t coming down so hard that the water stung me,
But just enough to let me know that
Rain had beauty and creative power just like sunshine.
I walked along and looked up and noticed the grey sky.
It wasn’t even close to blue, but it was striking never the less.
I continued my steps and lowered my head just a little,
And my eyes drew in the deep green of the cedars
And the firs that towered a hundred feet over the street.
Then I let down my head again and looked at
The house chimneys releasing the color gray.
It was smoke that mingled in to the sky with out notice.
Still walking, I eased my head once more, my eyes lingering
On the winter green grass that sparkled with water droplets.
And then my gaze went back to the street in front of me,
Its gray pavement making my steps straight and secure.
I so adore the rain and its peacefulness.
No one is loud or noisy in the rain.
Everyone is waiting for something.
Some people wait for the sunshine to come alive again.
Some wait for dryness to breathe.
I do not wait.
I live in the rain.
Susan Patterson
01-2011
I walked today and I went for miles,
Cultivation that used to be routine.
It’s been awhile since I’ve done that,
But my steps were strong and measured
And my heart pounded.
That’s the way it is supposed to be.
It was raining and I let the rain fall on my face.
It wasn’t coming down so hard that the water stung me,
But just enough to let me know that
Rain had beauty and creative power just like sunshine.
I walked along and looked up and noticed the grey sky.
It wasn’t even close to blue, but it was striking never the less.
I continued my steps and lowered my head just a little,
And my eyes drew in the deep green of the cedars
And the firs that towered a hundred feet over the street.
Then I let down my head again and looked at
The house chimneys releasing the color gray.
It was smoke that mingled in to the sky with out notice.
Still walking, I eased my head once more, my eyes lingering
On the winter green grass that sparkled with water droplets.
And then my gaze went back to the street in front of me,
Its gray pavement making my steps straight and secure.
I so adore the rain and its peacefulness.
No one is loud or noisy in the rain.
Everyone is waiting for something.
Some people wait for the sunshine to come alive again.
Some wait for dryness to breathe.
I do not wait.
I live in the rain.
Susan Patterson
01-2011
Audio of One Man's Dreary is One Woman's Beauty
Discussion:
It has been raining the last several days here in Oregon. The weather man tells us it will rain for a few more days. Many people, I don't know why, start to complain about the weather when it rains. If it is sunny all the time, then it is said that the weather is nice. If there is coolness, or God forbid, rain, then the weather is bad. Well, I'm here to tell you it is not true. Coolness, moisture, wind-- all have a purpose in the ecosystem. At this point I'm not talking about massive hurricanes and such. I'm just talking regular seasonal weather.
The poem is self-explanatory. It talks about the value of rain. It talks about the stillness and the muted beauty of rain. I do know that sunshine is glorious. I do know that warm weather can cheer the heart like nothing else. And, of course I do understand that some people suffer from seasonal affective disorder. But, we live in a very green part of the world. Our landscapes are second to none. So, let's give the rain a break. Let's say it's good weather too.
However, more so than the rain, the poem is about enjoying whatever is in front of us. It is about wanting what we have, not wanting what we don't have. It is about finding peace with our life as it is. skp
The poem is self-explanatory. It talks about the value of rain. It talks about the stillness and the muted beauty of rain. I do know that sunshine is glorious. I do know that warm weather can cheer the heart like nothing else. And, of course I do understand that some people suffer from seasonal affective disorder. But, we live in a very green part of the world. Our landscapes are second to none. So, let's give the rain a break. Let's say it's good weather too.
However, more so than the rain, the poem is about enjoying whatever is in front of us. It is about wanting what we have, not wanting what we don't have. It is about finding peace with our life as it is. skp
Alice Patterson, sleeping on the sofa. Readers have asked for pictures of our cats. I know, I know, this might be going too far, but there you go.
We have four cats. You've seen pictures of three. This is the fourth one, Alice. She is one of our two females and she sort of runs the other three...or wants to. Alice is about 12 years old and was a rescue kitty. As you can see, she doesn't need rescuing any more.
We have four cats. You've seen pictures of three. This is the fourth one, Alice. She is one of our two females and she sort of runs the other three...or wants to. Alice is about 12 years old and was a rescue kitty. As you can see, she doesn't need rescuing any more.
Response to readers:
I've heard from loyal Causerie readers. By far, most of you want me to continue with the discussion of the poem posted each week. I will. Thank you for your advice. I think it is important to make my poetry understandable literature that one can assimilate easily. I welcome you to make my poetry yours. Think about it. Use it. Share it. Apply your own understanding and meaning to the words. But before you do all of that, you will have the original intention and understanding to think about to get you started.
Along that vein, many of you get notice of a new Causerie each week via email. And I hear you like that very much. Thank you to Bill Merchant, our marketing and technical genius for making it possible. However, what you get via email is the new posting, but not the best version of it. After you've read the new poem and at your convenience, I urge you to click on the link on the email notice that will take you to the web site susanpatterson-author.com. There you will see a complete look at the new posting. You will also be able to hear me read the new poem, which is half the fun, I'm told.
Thank you, once again for your faithful reading and your comments to me via email, on the post and in person. I'm thrilled to be in touch with all of you in such a beautiful way. Happy Autumn to all. skp
Along that vein, many of you get notice of a new Causerie each week via email. And I hear you like that very much. Thank you to Bill Merchant, our marketing and technical genius for making it possible. However, what you get via email is the new posting, but not the best version of it. After you've read the new poem and at your convenience, I urge you to click on the link on the email notice that will take you to the web site susanpatterson-author.com. There you will see a complete look at the new posting. You will also be able to hear me read the new poem, which is half the fun, I'm told.
Thank you, once again for your faithful reading and your comments to me via email, on the post and in person. I'm thrilled to be in touch with all of you in such a beautiful way. Happy Autumn to all. skp
▶ A good cat and a good cuppa will make even the worst day tolerable. Earlene Grey
Rain clouds in the autumn weather.
À bientôt! skp
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