I wake to news of carnage. I wonder, fraught at what is wrought by men and guns and crazed ideas. My spirit feels wounded, unable to summon the joy. Yet I know it is there, buried in my heart, waiting to soar. I know that above me, the stars still sing, and the moon hums her changing melody, calling the tides. Come play, she croons, come roll and prance. Music of the universe, music of Earth. Listen–there the mockingbird, and there the robin, and there up at the top of the oak tree, the blue jay squawking. The gift of song, it’s all around us.
Joyful spirits sing
the sound of a summer breeze
laughs through a window
Frank Bramley, “When the Blue Evening Slowly Falls,” [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
This Haibun is a for Colleen’s Poetry Challenge. The prompt words were spirit and joy. Since I didn’t participate last week, I also used that week’s words, gift and song.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
Fabulous.
Thank you, Cindy.
Medicine for the soul.
Your use of the painting is perfect for news that started our day.
I found the painting after I wrote the poem, but I’m glad it worked. 🙂
A tonic for the day.
Thank you very much, Robert.
conjours the notion of the serenity achieved being the half-smile: experiencing the joy of life without denying the suffering.
Thank you very much. I like the reference to the half-smile.
I believe it was the Buddhist teacher Ticht Nhat Hahn
A balm for the morning. Yes, the birds and stars are still out there…(K)
Thank you very much, Kerfe. Yes, something I need to remind myself about.
As do we all.
Delightful to read words like this during these turbulent days. Thank you Merril
Thank you very much, Damien.
Your star and heart shine bright during these darkest of nights, Merril. 🌠🎆🎇
Thank you, Rose!
Beautiful words. Tragedy has become a norm. Your words do bring a light to us all! ❤
Thank you, Colleen!
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Perfect marriage of painting and poetry, a balm to the mind and heart these days.
Thank you very much, Marian.
I found the painting after I wrote the poem, and it did seem to fit perfectly.
Merril, your haibun had a positive effect on me. Thank you very much.
Somehow, some way, you went beyond the horrific events, your words were from nature’s constant touch upon our lives.
Summer breezes do make me smile. I love the idea of gentle coolness “laughing” as it comes through the window.
The painting is uplifting for our spirits, too.
Thank you so much, Robin. I’m glad my words had a positive effect on you. I think writing them had a similar effect on me. 🙂
This would lighten anyone’s mood since it gets you off the sad events taking place/having taken place recently.
(The California fires, the shootings and hurricanes all seem to be overwhelming me, at times.)
It is good to raise your own spirits, too. 😀
Thank you! 🙂
I’m sitting here watching as the moon sets and the sun rises, and your beautiful haibun fit in so well. Thank you for reminding me to listen to the “Music of the universe, music of Earth.” ❤
Thank you very much, Robin.