“Wisdom”

On By Mike U.In Poetry

“Wisdom”
(c) 2024 by Michael L. Utley

I attain wisdom
not from church or pagoda
temple or tabernacle
but from wood and stream
respite achieved through contemplation
of cloud reflections on cobalt alpine tarns
hammocked among granite crags and tors
restoration gifted by toes-in-sand
scamperings on dayspring sea shores
as gulls cavort and sand pipers tempt fate
balance granted by spinning constellations
as Luna tends her silver star-gardens
and earth dreams its pensive dreams

there is wonder
in the fractal crevasses of konara bark
the labyrinths of sandstone lichen mandalas
the ethereal traceries of ghostly hanging moss
promise in each acorn in every copse
as elder oaks impart their ken of centuries
and guard arboreal nurseries with burly boughs
conversation in breeze communiques
thunder rumblings and rain chatter
as heaven above bends earth’s ear
humor in toad-trills and reed whispers
the coquettish giggles of creek cascades
the curious musical burlesque of insects

there is hope
in sudden sunshine after a desert deluge
gilded god-beam-burnished cliff and canyon
arch and hoodoo ablaze with magic-hour fire
solace in quiet tide pools and silent autumn leas
the compassionate chants of mourning doves
the cusp-of-dawn stillness as the universe holds its breath
encouragement in emergent golden winter suisen
evening double-rainbows over August wheat fields
the strident arias of sparrow, lark and finch
renewal in gamboling days-old winter calves
early springtime rills’ first ice-melt
the preening petals of young columbines

but most of all
there is kinship
among everything that lives
all who call Earth home
sea, land and sky
and all who dwell therein
we belong together
not as masters of all
but companions to all
not as kings but stewards
fellow travelers on life’s journey
through glen and hollow
from peak to shore
sharing a common path
let us revitalize our love
for all things
let us return to
our proper place
let us embrace who we are
and why we are here
for that is the first step
toward true wisdom

(originally published at Spillwords Press, July 2024)

35 thoughts on ““Wisdom””

    1. Thanks, Jeff. I’ve yet to read any of Abbey’s work, but man, I really need to. I had no idea until just now that he worked as a park ranger at Arches National Park in the 1950s (then known as a national monument). I grew up about two and a half hours away from Arches. This book’s going on my Need to Read list, for sure. 😊

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    1. Thanks, Annette. When I get to talking about nature, I find myself in a really positive place, you know? It’s the one place I can turn to that feels welcoming and balanced. I love writing about my love for the natural world, or sharing my nature photography. Thanks for your kindness, my friend. I’m glad you enjoyed this poem. 😊🌸

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    1. Thank you kindly, Diana. I didn’t mean to cause you to weep, my friend, but I understand. Those of us who hold the natural world close to our hearts share a unique kinship, not only with the woods and mountains and deserts and oceans and animals, but with each other as well. This is my ode to nature and what it means to me. I’m so glad it connected with you so profoundly. Your wonderful support is both sustaining and inspiring. I’m truly glad you enjoyed this piece. 😊🌸

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    1. Many thanks, Michele. I’m humbled by your kind words and delighted to know know this poem resonated with you. The desert is such a magical place, isn’t it? So stark and seemingly barren, yet brimming with life and possibilities…and a wonderful beauty of its own. I recall trips through AZ in my youth and seeing the giant saguaro and just being amazed at their majesty. My own area is world-famous for desert landscapes (Arches and Canyonlands National Parks) and I’ve spent plenty of time exploring this beautiful yet unforgiving landscape. Thanks so much for your constant support, my friend. 😊🌵🌸

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      1. You’re very welcome, Mike. Thank you for the wonderful response. The Saguaro desert is magical yes, and diverse and thank you for sharing details about your area. Mother Nature is forever inspiring. 🥰 Take care kind friend, and a pleasant weekend to you! 🌄

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    1. Thanks so much, Peggy. I tend to gush (a lot) about nature, and I wanted to just let loose in this piece. In a world caught up in fear and strife and hate, nature can be a calming force. I just wish everyone would stop, look and listen to what’s around us, what’s really important. It might just change a few hearts and minds.

      I appreciate you, my friend. Thanks for your kind words. 😊🌸

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  11. This is such a profound and beautiful piece Mike and I resonated deeply with it.. Your words are a gift..
    I couldn’t agree more…
    💓
    “but most of all
    there is kinship
    among everything that lives
    all who call Earth home
    sea, land and sky
    and all who dwell therein
    we belong together
    not as masters of all
    but companions to all
    not as kings but stewards
    fellow travelers on life’s journey”

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    1. Thank you, Cindy, my friend and kindred spirit. I had a feeling this one might connect with you. In all the current chaos and madness, it’s the trees and mountains and seas and deserts and animals that keep me centered and hopeful that things will be okay. The balm of nature, you know? I appreciate your kindness, as always. 😊🌸

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      1. Oh Mike, I sure did. You truly capture hearts and souls with your intricate weaving of words.. It’s truly impressive and I do know exactly what you mean! I know in my heart in the end whether we’re destroyed or not, hope and right action will win out. You’re so very welcome always❣️

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