HAZARDS OF FLIGHT
When I was younger, I could fly
from the peak of the old barn
and land in granddad’s garden tilled
with the vineyard disk and tractor,
but on the ground the world grows up
like weeds around us – seasons circle
until we can’t see out. I still fly
in my dreams, soaring over orchards
to light in exotic spaces to expire
valiantly as I wake to unbuckled knees –
backbone grinding as I make coffee
in the dark. I still fly to places
in my mind. Yesterday, hauling hay
up canyon, I saw Wilma in the rest home,
infirmed and impatient with her frailty –
heard my promise of three springs ago
for one last drive up the Yokohl
to be humbled by its blue Lupine,
white skiffs of Forget-me-nots
between the poppies and the golden
Fiddlenecks. My sky goes black!
Wings fold into freefall until I believe
that she can still see
the brilliance of her poetry.
Comments
Whenever I git homesick, I turn to your journals. I grew up in the coast range of the SF bay area. We still have 1200 acres there. What you do, say and are concerned about is universal. My brothers worry the same. The terrain is the same except you have a higher elev. It feels good to listen to your tales. Hopefully it will be a good grass year! I get to go to Elko this Jan. Will you guys be there?
Posted by: Linda Fields | December 17, 2006 9:05 AM
We’ll be there, Linda, be sure to look us up and thanks – thanks for letting us know the Journal works for you.
I spent a fair number of years missing the ranch while in Southern California getting educated in the 60s, and resorted to writing poetry to deal with the friction of living in L.A. Even at a young age, the terrain was part of my flesh, its good health, especially in the spring, was tied to my own. For those of us so displaced, the security of the landscape is a touchstone that evokes the stories, a place to put one’s heart (and mind) more apt to last than most things. If what we offer here makes you feel good, Robbin and I feel even better. Have a Happy Holiday Season!! See you In Elko.
Thanks,
John
P.S. If the name Linda Fields rings with some familiarity, check out her website @ http://dontfencemein.net
Posted by: John Dofflemyer | December 17, 2006 10:30 AM