we seek the heat
we seek the light
reminding ourselves we are alive
During these cold days and nights our senses come awake in different ways to the days of summer – we are drawn to comfort, to warmth and light.
But remember to welcome the tingle of icy finger-tips, the mist of warm breath when you step outside, the thin winter light that subdues the colours around us.
Our senses give us feedback from the physical world – keep us awake and attentive.
Hibernation is not an option.
I recognise the mindful way
each foot is placed
stepping over
walking around
careful as she walks
the sandhill path to the beach
I feel the rhythm
the slow quiet pressure and release
as each foot falls and lifts
hands brush through
grasses that grow tall
along the edge of the path
marram grass and lupin
toetoe* and spinifex
each stroke a caress
a hand in a lover’s hair
I reach forward into her touch
and bend away
eager and shy
trusting
the rhythm changes
feet run over sand
land heavily after jumping
over driftwood and seaweed flotsam
until the sea is reached
then all weight is lifted
as she floats and drifts
and still, there is a sense of her
as waves bring her back in
to scuff feet against the sand
and I wash over, tasting her skin
when she leaves
my salt kisses
drying in her hair
wind and sea
smooth her footsteps from the beach
and I hold the shape of her
the weight of her
memory embedded
encoded in roots
lying deep below the surface
waiting
© Claire Griffin 2016
*toetoe = tussock grass (pronounce as “toi toi”)
grey clouds gather
the rain falls
thunder breaks
the rain falls
streets flood
and the rain still falls
I walk out into the rain
barefoot, ankle deep
choosing the attitude
of least resistance
allowing the rain
to fall where it will
not fighting against it
my senses open
as the rain falls
skin open to the wet and cold
eyes open to the shine and swirl
ears open to the splash and drip
smelling the wet earth
hands reach out
sliding over wet leaves
standing head back
savouring each drop
that settles on my tongue
there is pleasure
to be had in this acceptance
and still,
the rain falls
© Claire Griffin 2016
pleasure : #introtopoetry : day 8 : anaphora/epistrophe
another downpour, and the need to go out into the rain as part of my work – walking quickly from the car to one meeting then to another – I tried to hold this attitude in mind – “don’t resist the rain, accept it” – helped me stay relaxed but I was drenched!!
this poem is how I wish my day had been – I wish I could have tossed work aside and just messed about outside without any time pressures – enjoying the weather like a playful dog 🙂
invisible necessity 