Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Watery

 The golden days of Indian summer are over, and the rain is falling. Moisture everywhere, with puddles that reflect the watery sky.
 Mist envelops the view as I do Tai Chi in the soft rain,
and the tide laps soothingly close to my feet.
The pohutukawa, that was ablaze with crimson blossom in the summer, lifts its head to the clouds and drinks deeply.
 On the jetty, the shags are as still as the distant boats. This is not a day for much movement.
It's a day for reflection. I find myself being drawn within, musing and remembering my dear old teacher who is dying. He taught me Maori songs and dances, art and culture, when I was at primary school. He was so full of life, laughter and creativity, and over recent years when I visited he still loved to sing in his rich baritone voice. Now his spirit is drifting like the leaves upon the sky's reflections, and my eyes are . . . watery.

9 comments:

lifeonthecutoff said...

Sometimes rain is such a balm to sooth our aching souls, isn't it Juliet? I pray that your teacher, your friend, is peaceful and not in pain as he takes this final journey of life. My thoughts travel to you, Juliet.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Juliet - honestly that's what our summer this year is looking like .. can't see teh Downs for the mist! Oh well we're desperate for the rain .. just if it could stop for the Jubilee, Wimbledon and the Olympics - I'd be a very happy little girl!!

Cheers Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Juliet - sorry just seen the last para .. I love your phrase "now his spirit is drifting like the leaves upon the sky's reflections, and my eyes are ... watery" -

- such a wonderful tribute to your Artist teacher friend ...

With thoughts - Hilary

Lynley said...

Water and life and its passing go hand in hand don't they?

I sense that so much from your teacher flowed to you and you share that with the world.

He sounds a wonderful touchstone.

I wish for you both gentleness.

Juliet said...

Thank you Penny, Hilary and Lynley for your kind thoughts and for joining me in this sorrow.
Yes Penny, the rain is a balm indeed. It feels fitting to be wrapped in mist and soft moistness at this time.
Hilary, I hope your land receives the blessing of rain - at the right times.
Lynley, water and the passing of life, they do indeed go together. It's a poignant time

cecilia c said...

How wonderful the rain and the shag and the boats, matching your thoughts and contemplative mood. It is a good place to be for the mourning time. c

Hotly Spiced said...

Yes, the seasons are changing but that is so sad about your old teacher. I do wish the best for him xx

Ruth P said...

Treasured memories here Juliet, and weather and beautiful photos that help to mark this time for you and your teacher. His generosity to you also seems now to ripple further as you make creative ways to express 'how it is' at such a time when a special one is coming to the end of his life. Thinking of you as you navigate this time.

Juliet said...

Cecilia, yes sometimes nature acts in harmony with our inner mood. Nice to see you here - thanks.

Charlie, you'll be feeling the changes too. Thank you for your good wishes.

Ruth, what a beautiful comment. Yes, generosity has a way of spreading. Thank you for your kind thoughts.