Serenade of Roots
I hear the gentle echoes of my roots:
long, knotty fingers
gloved with glaucous moss
disturb the river waters,
awaken the melodies that played
when the warmth of breath was on their nostrils
and the robe of flesh adorned the bones —
symphony of mandolins,
bamboo oboes,
harpsichord and pianos —
I hear their voices when I speak,
taste their tears when I weep,
feel their bodies sway when I dance —
I sing their forgotten songs
in the land of the living.
by D. G. Vachal © 2013
*** Photography by Bob Spencer
lilies, sparrows and grass 
Spoken perfectly!
Thank you so much, I am touched by your kindness and gracious words.
Dearest Dee, I know this ~ I feel this. Although my roots run in a different direction, they drink of the life that is my own ~ feeding my own fragile blossoms. I love this sweet lament to love. Namaste, dearest Dee. I too celebrate your heritage. ~ Love, Bobbie
As I celebrate your heritage, too, as we both celebrate the life that throbs within our veins, the life-blood we inherited through the ages. Yes, we are fragile blossoms, and yet the fragrance lives on in the many words and actions we imprint upon this world. Thank you for the beauty of your words, Bobbie. Love, Dee
Melancholic…and sweet, Dee. 🙂
Thank you, Eric. Sometimes, melancholy pays its visit as one writes… Peace and love, Dee 🙂
Feels so alive!
Thank you, Joseyphina! I am so happy to know your thoughts on the poem! Love, Dee
Wonder strucked!
Thank you, Deborah… your gracious words fill my heart. Love, Dee
Very good. I like this poem more each time I read it. I think you arranged the words on the page in exactly the right way – so often, arranging the words can turn gimmicky but you didn’t.
What a wonderful compliment. Thank you, Carroll, for your analysis of the poem, and for the time spent in reading it. Coming from a keen mathematician like you, who values precision and order, your kind words are truly uplifting. Thank you so much.
Dee, i am feeling your words as I often hear the songs of the past sent to me as whispers on the wind, and their melodies dance in my heart, always reminding me, always renewing, always helping me to embrace their love and tears…so they are never forgotten…by those who live! Your poem is a sweet inner vision brought to light by your dancing words! Beautifully written and delivered as only you can do so perfectly! God bless!
That you feel the words of the poem, as you hear the songs of yesterday is so heartwarming, Wendell. Your kind and gracious thoughts, they truly touch my heart. Thank you so much. God bless you! Dee
Lovely picture and a lovely arrangement of words in your poem, as always.
Thank you, John, for reading and appreciating. God bless!
The photograph is gorgeous and the sentiment conveyed so poignant and evocative. Blessings to you, Dee.
Thank you for feeling the poignancy of these words, Ellen. I have always wondered about my ancestors, and in what several ways I was akin to the experiences and feelings they encountered. Why, they were all under the same sun, moon and stars, and their blood flows in my very veins. And I am sure you feel the same way about your forebears, Ellen. Thank you for reading this piece, and I wish you many blessings this weekend. Dee
Dee, Yes, I understand the importance of roots. Have a blessed week! Ellen