Sourland Mountain in July
The asphalt fajita pan
sizzles,
white papal smoke ascends
from black aluminum,
scorches
naked feet,
temperatures climb, calibrated
for the appointed broiling
of flesh —
Sourland Mountain at noonday
in July:
I listen to the psalms of emerald leaves
upon twigs and branches
uplifted in praise,
the songs of the scarlet tanager,
melodious with the orchestra of Monét clouds
in this gated city of chlorophyll,
a uniform green madness —
Though I walk
through the hardness of rocks
and boulders,
I will not take this green
for granted,
I mumble on every single leaf
of fern, weed and tree,
revel
in the uncomfortable warmth,
while the green is teeming
at this very moment
before the gradual accumulated
turnings of the universe,
of sun, moon and stars
awaken
the coldness from its slumber,
before the leaves turn
into empty brown
paper bags
blown by the wind.
by D. G. Vachal © 2013
*** Photography by D. G. Vachal 2013
lilies, sparrows and grass 
Absolutely outstanding. The reference to the psalm but rather than a valley of death a valley of heat and teeming with life. Your benediction toward life the high church reference. I’m excited about this one Dee. Really outstanding work!!!
Thank you, Sandy. I am thrilled that you are excited about this piece, skillful writer that you are. I love the impression you caught from the lines — wonderful! All my best, Dee
I quite like this. It has the feel of a Haiku- just the thoughtful portrayal of nature, in that Haiku-like dreamy manner. Very well wrought.
It is uplifting to know this piece has the feel of a Haiku in its “thoughtful portrayal of nature”. Thank you so much for sharing your perceptions on this post, and for your lovely visit.
With papal white smoke – the selection made by His grace
Psalms of emerald leaves – what melodies these wrought
Uniform green madness – we are all one, yet (madness) different
I take nothing for granted – anything from Him is not to taken for granted
Leaves into brown paper bags – our mortality
I say no more as it would rob the pleasure of others…
It is my good fortune to read and relish His Gifts through you, a Bearer.
Peace and blessings, my dear 🙂
Eric
Dear Eric,
How intricately you dissect the words of this poem, and discern the function of components. Thank you for sharing your interpretations – I loved each one of them, and particularly smiled at your take on the line “uniform green madness”. 🙂
It is a humbling honor to be the bearer of His gifts.
Peace and blessings,
Dee
awesome…
Thank you, I am so glad you liked this piece. Blessings, Dee
This is a work of museum quality art. I am humbled by the beauty here.
Thank you for such an uplifting and humbling comment. That you found beauty here fills my heart with gladness.
You are amazing! I bow to you. Your talent speaks of the beauty of your soul. Thank you for sharing your gift.
Oh my, I am truly humbled. You are such a gifted writer and I look forward to reading more of your writings.
Likewise!
O, Dee, I absolutely love this…………… I’m without words. ~ Love ever, Bobbie
Thank you, Bobbie. My heart is touched deeply by your unspoken words. Love, Dee
………I’ve often wondered if poet are those with the ability to hear the words between breaths……….the silence of words not yet known. May your day be filled with light. ~ Love, Bobbie
How beautifully you describe it, Bobbie — to hear the words between breaths. Yes, yes, the words, and in those words, the music. Love, Dee
I too will not take the days of summer for granted – warm, green and full of life, and always gone too soon…great piece, Dee!
Lester
Amen, Lester, and thank you! Like you, I am enjoying summer. Praise God for this season. Dee
I sensed I was on hallowed ground, needing the heat cleanse my dross! I’m ruffled into praises Dee!
Deb, I am awestruck by your perspective and insight about the heat cleansing the dross. I needed to hear that as it is very relevant to me, as well as the focus on praise. Thank you and blessings to you, dear friend. Dee
Love this.
Parts of this are pure Gary Snyder. Awesome work.
Thank you, that is quite an honor that you found Gary Snyder’s art in this humble piece. I am grateful for your visit and for the introduction. All my best, Dee
Been offline and missed this one. Another beautiful one! Love it 🙂
I’ve been offline lately, so I missed this one. Absolutely beautiful!
Thank you so much, Janet. So lovely to have you back. Blessings, Dee