There came a day at summer’s full
Entirely for me;
I thought that such were for the saints
Where revelations be. ~ Emily Dickinson
My summer has begun
Softly, quietly; under a few clouds
that won’t block the sunshine.
A lonesome beginning,
just as I like it,
in order to feel glad for myself and
honor the ways of those
who don’t look for company
except as it finds them
through the touch of a breeze
or face of a flower
or sigh of a raindrop
or trust of a sparrow;
with nothing to yield for
but the freedom to reach
and wither
and grow all over again.
~ DM Denton
Blessings on this Summer Solstice
and
Winter Solstice, for those in the southern hemisphere
Earth, Teach Me
Earth teach me quiet ~ as the grasses are still with new light.
Earth teach me suffering ~ as old stones suffer with memory.
Earth teach me humility ~ as blossoms are humble with beginning.
Earth teach me caring ~ as mothers nurture their young.
Earth teach me courage ~ as the tree that stands alone.
Earth teach me limitation ~ as the ant that crawls on the ground.
Earth teach me freedom ~ as the eagle that soars in the sky.
Earth teach me acceptance ~ as the leaves that die each fall.
Earth teach me renewal ~ as the seed that rises in the spring.
Earth teach me to forget myself ~ as melted snow forgets its life.
Earth teach me to remember kindness ~ as dry fields weep with rain.
– An Ute Prayer (Utes are indigenous people of the Great Basin, now living primarily in Utah and Colorado, USA)
©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.
“honor the ways of those
who don’t look for company
except as it finds them
through the touch of a breeze
or face of a flower
or sigh of a raindrop
or trust of a sparrow;”
Diane,
An unforgettable passage that puts the reader in that scene
and erases all the chaos of a busy world. This one touches
the soul!
Hugs,
Sarah
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Thank you so much, Sarah! Your words … here and in your beautiful poetry touch MY soul. XO ❤
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Your mom’s sunflower painting is exquisite, the essence of summer! And your poem, spending the summer solstice alone, “softly, quietly; under a few clouds,” sounds like a divine experience. Beautiful post, Diane!
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Hi, Barbara, and thank you for your lovely comment. I just discovered this painting by my mom and it has become one of my favorites. And I do not mind solitude at all. Lovely to have you visit and a plan one over to your beautiful blog very soon. XO ♥
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Once again your painting captures the essence of the plant before you. You really are so gifted: it never fails to amaze me
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Hi, Peter. So glad you enjoyed the painting … actually, it is one of my mom’s … one of my favorites of hers. All the best. XO ♥
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A profoundly beautiful post, my dearest. I thank you, your mother, the Utes and Emily all from the depths of my heart. I read this and am at peace!
❤
Kathryn
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Hi, Kathryn, and thank you! I’m so glad the post through its artwork and words offered you a peaceful moment or two. Hope the summer is off to a lovely start for you. XO ♥
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Such a beautiful post Diane! A beautiful painting by your lovely mum and your poem is sheer bliss. “…those who don’t look for company except as it finds them…” – wonderful words. Nature is all. Lots of love to you and a very summery summer ❤️😊 xx
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Thank you so much, Christine! Just came across this painting by my mom and was thrilled to find it! Isn’t it lovely and bold and free? Glad you liked the poem … wrote it pretty quickly. And you are so right – Nature IS all. Hope you enjoying the start to summer. I think some painting is in order for me today and tomorrow … 🙂 XO ♥
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Hi Diane, what a lovely posting, the image by your mother is wonderful and so is your poem. To grow in the wisdom found in nature, like the Ute prayer, that is what it is all about… Such a nice start of Summer! Enjoy your pre novel thoughts as I am sure there will be a sequel to the sequel 🙂 ♥ xxx
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Hi, Ina and thank you! Yes, isn’t the painting wonderful … I love its boldness and sense of freedom. Just recently discovered it. And the Ute prayer … yes, nature pretty much offers all we need to know. I feel a little bereft today – just sent my novel off to the publisher yesterday – but also relieved. Finally, caught up on some laundry and housework and, otherwise, hope to veg out a little this weekend. Hope all is well with you! XO ♥
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Diane, this post is so beautiful with Emily Dickinson’s verse to begin with, followed by your Mom’s lovely sunflowers (one of my favorite flowers) and ending with your gorgeous poem paying tribute to today’s Summer Solstice. Wishing you also a Happy Summer Solstice and a wonderful summer ahead! Sending hugs and love your way and it’s nice to see you post again, too! ♥ xoxo
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Thank you so much, Lauren! I just discovered this wonderful bold painting of my mom’s. Hope your summer is getting off to a wonderful start! It’s pretty hot here – that long, cold winter seems years ago now! 🙂 Sending love and hugs right back at you! XO ♥
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Beautiful….. xx
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Thank you so much, Susan! Wishing you a beautiful summer. XO ♥
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