Early Morning Visitor

Sara tells of inspiration for a lot of poetry.

As I wandered each day in isolation, I found the beauty of God's world. Given the privilege of time, I discovered new things and made friends with creatures of the wild in a way I never would have on some other path.

On my daily walks, I took my camera and binoculars, constantly alert for treasures along the way. I studied the wildflowers in each season, I observed the changes of nature and the world as time rushed on. Here in my lonely kingdom, I derived pleasure from the simplest things. I enjoyed my husband and companionship we shared. For weeks on end, he was the only person I actually saw. I talked on the telephone periodically with family back in Alabama and a few friends. I communicated through the mail with relatives and developed a close relationship of a "Kindred Spirit" with my first cousin, Marie. It was one of my joys to receive her letters stuffed with flower petals, packets of instant coffee, bits of candy, newspaper clippings, etc. Then, I would sit down and share her joys and sorrows through the words of her six to eight page letter! On the other end, she would be opening her letter of novel length from me, stuffed with latest poems and trivia. When the letters ceased coming, my depression returned and I knew she was not feeling well, either.

During these days of 'wandering in the wilderness,' 'my cup runneth over.' I wrote many words on paper from feelings and experiences I had each day. The following poems were written during this time from actual experiences. Painting pictures in word and images on paper has been a lifetime dedication. While going through a new dimension in my life, writing and artwork took on a new meaning to me. Always surrounded by family and friends, I moved to a strange and isolated place. As I searched to find joy in daily living, I made numerous discoveries. I found the beauty of God's world. I discovered new things and made friends with creatures of the wild in a way I never would have on some other path.

My life has changed since those days, but I hold my works of art as treasures collected along the way. I would say those were some of my best works and for that reason, I would like to share my poems with all the world.

One of the 'treasures' I hold dear happened early one morning.

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EARLY MORNING VISITOR

Early this morning with clouds in the sky,

A sprinkle of rain and lightning in the air,

I stepped outside just long enough

to pick a bloom from the Four O’clock

and catch a sniff of its delicate fragrance.

When, suddenly a movement caught my eye.

There upon the power line, perched up high

sat a very large bird.

I stood still and awestruck,

holding my breath lest he should fly.

He stretched his thick neck up and down,

and as his large head moved,

he made a rattling sound.

I could see his large beak

moving with each clatter.

His topnotch feathers

were bending in the wind

and in the dim light,

I could see a wide white band.

I knew here in the prairie,

it could only be one thing.

But the clucking was much

like the sound of a toucan.

He sat with short legs and

turned to look at me.

And I watched in wonderment

and glad I got to see,

this early morning visitor dressed in blue.

To this Belted Kingfisher

clucking loud to me,

“Thank you for the visit

and good morning to you!”

As if in acknowledgement,

he spread his wings to fly

off toward the trees

in a cheerful reply!

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