Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Becoming Round (SWF)


Behind the pond and beyond a barbed wire fence, I can walk out onto the farmland bordering our property. Here, the tall oaks draw a noticeable line where untamed grass and scrub meet furrowed field. And I can stand with feet in both places—shelter and a yawning space.

Into the chilly morning air, I stepped—and stepped over again, onto brown earth, where stalks still stand knee-high. Not a car passes down the little lane that divides this field from the next, and it would appear I am alone on this stage under a bright blue autumn sky.

From here, hunters will stand and fire shots above, as the geese drawn to spilled corn take flight and swing in a wide arc above our pond.
From the land I cannot protect, to the land I can, and will.

Though most has been caught and carted away, a few scattered cobs have escaped the harvest—plumpness in buff jackets, lying freely in the open air. And so, I stole one and then another, until my jacket, tethered at the waist, became full to my chin.
And I returned home, satisfyingly round.

Outside my window, a chipmunk is rounding himself, as well, with fallen seeds from a small tube feeder in the Hawthorn.
Each, in our own way, rearranging our world.
Filling pockets with riches.
Scurrying home.


Corncob left behind

Frosty Field


See more Skywatch here.

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37 comments:

bobbie said...

Lovely, lovely photo. And a fun little story.

Ruth said...

Beautiful sunrise. I could just imagine you with your coat filled with cobs of dried corn!

Loran said...

I love walking out my door in the morning as well. Great story and pictures.

SandyCarlson said...

Very, very nice. Peaceful.

SaraG said...

Great photo's and wonderful story!!
Take care.

Anonymous said...

A beautiful photos, and the story is sweet and poetic.

Quiet Paths said...

Now there is a place one can stretch your legs and your sight.

imac said...

Beautiful post and words.

Photo Cache said...

I love your storytelling style. Are you a writer?

Anne-Berit said...

Wonderful shots:o)

nina at Nature Remains. said...

Photocache--Nope--not a writer in the sense that I would call myself that. But, I find words almost as powerful as images in evoking responses from others and sharing my experiences.
I am glad they speak to you, too.

Kathie Brown said...

Nina, may you have more roundness before the snow flies! This is a lovley piece of writing. I so enjoyed it and the photos.

Pretty Life Online said...

Nature is truly beautiful! Happy weekend! Hope you get time to visit my corner too...

Alan Pulley said...

Hey Nina,

Love the photos! These are some of my favorite scenes - so peaceful. It reminds me of late summer/early fall afternoons here in rural VA.

...and your writing flows so well with the photos.

Have a good weekend

Jane Hards Photography said...

Fun narrative to go with the beauty of a sky.

NCmountainwoman said...

Oh yes, Nina. You are a writer and we appreciate every poetic word. I loved this post and the image of you plumped with snitched leftover corn, scurrying home.

Kim said...

Nina, as always I can picture the whole experience clearly in my mind. I can feel the cool air on my face and the smell of the dried corn. Awesome.

Raven said...

Beautiful post in word, thought and image. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Good for you!

I love the photos and the story. Liminal places are always fraught with possibilities, if only we are able to take advantage of them.

Arija said...

I love your thoughts, they run parallel with mine. Both gleaners and protectors as far as we are able.
Lovely picture and I can see you ad Mr. Chipmunk all plumped out.

kayleen said...

lovely photos, lovely descriptive narrative. thanks for sharing

Unknown said...

I like how you were able to catch the sun just before it touched any of the trees on the horizon. It's last free moment of pure air.

Grammy said...

Happy sky watch Friday
Love your beautiful photos.
Would have like to seen a pic of the chipmunk

Pat - Arkansas said...

Another "good for you!" Wish I were there to help you glean and protect.

vincibene said...

Beautiful photo!

Julie Zickefoose said...

Uh, I beg to differ on the "writer" classification. Writers write. You WRITE.

I spent my teen years in Virginia riding my bike home with my shirt or jacket full of something or other (apples, pears, yes, corn)...until I learned to wear a backpack. Now I stuff my pack with pawpaws!

Anonymous said...

You always share something beautiful, Nina. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the heads-up about the meme, Nina, I'll be back tomorrow for sure!

Gretchen said...

Great shots!

RuthieJ said...

I can never resist picking up those cobs of corn I find in a field that's been harvested either. My bunnies and bluejays love them!

Amy said...

Such a beautiful photo, as well as the prose with it :)

Amy

Dawn Fine said...

Thank you for the lovely post..

spookydragonfly said...

Just browsing and found your blog. I was interested in finding other Ohio nature blogs. I tried to follow your blog, several attempts came up as error. I'll be back...I so enjoyed my visit here!

nina at Nature Remains. said...

Spooky Dragonfly--
Glad to have you stop by. I am away from home at the moment, and not doing the usual upkeep on my site. I know the errors you've run across, and am happy you stuck with it long enough to find me here!

Julie--I know, I know,...still trying to "find" myself. I should worry less about the career and credentials and just give in! (working on that!) :-)

RuthieJ--my squirrels appreciate the effort I'm sure,and may stay off the birdfeeders if I toss tem a treat!
Grammy--I had a picture of the chipmunk, but it was through glass and rather hazy--can't you "see" him, though?

Anonymous said...

Beautifully told! Supported by great images! Thank you for sharing.
Cheers, Klaus

Blu-I'd-Blonde said...

I grew up on a farm and reading your blog is living again that nature-loving life I've missed. I'm going to have to live it vicariously by reading your lovely posts. Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

Wunderbar,bravo und danke dir für das alles...