February 25, 2012
Nature Insight: Side by Side
Copyright 2012 by DM Denton
Doves welcome the day
side by side in place
on the open sway
of approaching spring.
No need to compete
for such a small space
or spoil the treat
their cooing can bring.
No jealousy here
or mention of fear,
no pain to inflict–
it’s peace they predict.
Writing note: I wrote this poem last night to go along with this painting. This morning I was standing by the large window that looks out on my patio and the bird feeders and there was a dove sitting on the ground staring at me! He stayed there for a long time looking up at the window…maybe or maybe not waiting for me to appear again. I like to think he was…
©Artwork and writing, unless otherwise indicated, are the property of Diane M Denton. Please request permission to reproduce or post elsewhere with a link back to bardessdmdenton. Thank you.
Val said,
February 26, 2012 at 12:30 pm
Lovely!
bardessdmdenton said,
February 27, 2012 at 3:58 pm
Thanks, Val!
Betty Hayes Albright said,
February 26, 2012 at 4:56 pm
Your paintings are always beautiful, with such lively colors. And this poem is now my favorite of yours.
Betty Hayes Albright said,
February 26, 2012 at 4:58 pm
P.S. I love it that there was a dove looking up at you through the window this morning. Adds even more depth to your poem and painting!
bardessdmdenton said,
February 27, 2012 at 4:00 pm
Yes, it was quite a coincidence…a very delightful and affirming one! Thanks again.
bardessdmdenton said,
February 27, 2012 at 3:59 pm
So glad you enjoyed it, Betty! I always appreciate your visits and comments!
Fergiemoto said,
February 26, 2012 at 6:36 pm
Oh, such lovely words! And I love the painting of the love birds. Small spaces can be much more enjoyable when shared together.
bardessdmdenton said,
February 27, 2012 at 4:01 pm
Thank you, Fergiemoto! I am glad you enjoyed it and that it offered a positive message to you.
Savira said,
February 27, 2012 at 5:26 am
In small spaces one can find complete contentment…
bardessdmdenton said,
February 27, 2012 at 4:03 pm
Hi Savira! Yes, I had to rescue your comment from spam. Of course, I’m glad I did for you offer a quite lovely interpretation.
Savira said,
February 27, 2012 at 5:26 am
Am not sure if my comment took….
bardessdmdenton said,
February 27, 2012 at 4:04 pm
Saved from the clutches of spam!
Laurel's Reflections said,
February 27, 2012 at 10:04 am
A joy, as always. I have sometimes wondered why the dove was chosen the symbol of peace, but your have illustrated beautifully how very well they can epitomise it
bardessdmdenton said,
February 27, 2012 at 4:06 pm
Thank you, Laurel. Sometimes the simplest moments offer the most meaning. Thank you for your lovely comment!
Becoming herself said,
February 27, 2012 at 2:40 pm
I love how you’ve caught slightly different expressions on the doves’ faces! Your painting has a style all of its own: so original. I love the colours in this one. I also really like the line, ‘on the open sway of approaching spring’. It sounds so lyrical and hopeful, somehow. Really lovely.
bardessdmdenton said,
February 27, 2012 at 4:11 pm
Thank you, BH! I’m so glad you found it hopeful (strange because it was born from frustration and even a little anger over someone—or two— trying to spoil the joy of accomplishment by throwing into an almost gladiatorial arena of competition).
That’s why I love the arts…there’s always room for more!
lscotthoughts said,
February 27, 2012 at 6:28 pm
Your painting and poem are just lovely~
Lauren
bardessdmdenton said,
February 29, 2012 at 5:15 pm
Thank you so very much!
catcherofstars said,
February 28, 2012 at 11:41 am
Insightful indeed!! Humans have set the precedent for not sharing with those like us. Follow the birds, that’s what I say!
Andrea xx
bardessdmdenton said,
March 1, 2012 at 10:43 am
Yes, I actually loathe competition…I don’t think it makes the world a better place. Striving to do our best with good intentions is another thing entirely.
Thank you so much, Andrea!
granbee said,
February 28, 2012 at 3:56 pm
Bardess, that dove WAS waiting for you to sketch him! I love the bent limb as you sketched it. I love the different sized doves, with different body language and different shaped beaks. No, there never is any competition or jealousy where there is such peace! Wonderful lines! Bless you, dear bardess.
bardessdmdenton said,
March 1, 2012 at 11:38 am
Yes, Granbee, I love when that happens…synchronicity that is!
Thank you and blessings!
Barbara Rodgers said,
February 29, 2012 at 1:21 pm
I’m visiting from Val’s blog and am delighted to find your mourning dove painting and poem – so lovely – mourning doves have a special place in my heart as I associate them with messages from my mother, who died twenty years ago. Looking forward to exploring more of your blog!
bardessdmdenton said,
March 1, 2012 at 1:46 pm
Thank you so much for your visit, Barbara, and your heartfelt comment. I am so glad that my little post evoked something positive and spiritual to you. I am a believer that there are messengers all around us. Blessings!
MaryEllen Carlo said,
February 29, 2012 at 2:54 pm
I’m quite sure that he was waiting for you! Birds are intuitive too – they are God’s creatures – just like we are!
Beautiful painting and beautiful writing!
bardessdmdenton said,
March 1, 2012 at 1:58 pm
Yes, it was quite a coincidence…that wasn’t, I think. Thanks so much, MaryEllen!
Thomas Davis said,
February 29, 2012 at 9:42 pm
We have doves that live around our house summer, fall, winter, and spring. They compete with the chickadees, pinion jays, and plethoria of birds that visit Ethel’s daily restaurants filled with seed, but both the ring necked and inca doves serenade every day and enrich the life in our small piece of New Mexico with a peace that emanates equally from this poem. The drawing and the poem, as usual, helps make this day.
bardessdmdenton said,
March 1, 2012 at 2:01 pm
Thank you, Thomas, for such a lovely interesting comment. I love when there is a sharing of nature’s stories and insights. I’m so glad my poem and illustration brought some peace into your day!
Caddo Veil said,
February 29, 2012 at 10:24 pm
Hi, lovey! I’ve given you the Soul-Song Award for this poem–it’s wonderful, and clearly blessed by the appearance of your dove! Visit my blog for more info–but there are no demanding rules. God bless you muchly.
bardessdmdenton said,
March 1, 2012 at 2:04 pm
Thank you for this special award, Caddo! It is one of my favorites and I feel something very positive when one of my posts seems fit for it. Blessings to you!
Bodhirose said,
March 3, 2012 at 10:25 pm
I love those sweet birds…your poem perfectly describes their peaceful demeanor. Your painting is so charming and I like that one of the birds was checking you out through the window…I wonder what he was thinking…
bardessdmdenton said,
March 4, 2012 at 1:52 pm
Thank you, Bodhirose! Yes, it was quite haunting that the Dove’s attention was focused on me soon after posting the poem and illustration. There are no coincidences!
thefisherlady said,
March 4, 2012 at 12:48 am
a favourite bird! love your art so much! The poem is perfect
bardessdmdenton said,
March 4, 2012 at 2:01 pm
Thanks again! Your visit and generosity is so appreciated!
Ina said,
March 6, 2012 at 6:06 am
Hi Diane
what a lovely poem and image, I love the doves. They are such loyal partners too!
bardessdmdenton said,
March 7, 2012 at 4:52 pm
Thank you so much, Ina!