In my home state of Victoria, Australia, we have just emerged from a prolonged Covid 19 lockdown surrounding the greater Melbourne area. We are cautiously stepping back into a world of slightly relaxed settings. After experiencing times where there were in excess of 22,000 active cases, we are now registering days of zero infections. After being in lockdown for months (for me since March 17th) we Melbournians are out in the world again, be it nervously. It feels strange to encounter so many people walking about on the street (mask wearing is mandatory) and to see so many cars on the road. There is a fog of unfamiliarity about certain routines. It is good to experience these increased freedoms, but I find myself watchful and trepidacious.
This morning I had a sit down coffee for the first time in many months! The sun was shining. The air around me was warm. Summer is nigh in the big south land.
Beyond my pandemic ponderings, it is summer that fills my thoughts this week. Summer is peering above the horizon and so my writing thoughts have turned in that direction.
Summer Solitude
It's easier to be alone
in summer.
In winter
With everyone confined indoors
most days.
Life becomes crowded
in summer.
The garden generously offers up
Shady corners,
Quiet nooks,
Where one can be detached from the world,
Languid in the shadows.
People leave you at peace
in summer.
They leave you alone
Settled for a time,
in your shaded corner,
Deep in summery contemplation
and perfect stillness.
Winter brings on
huddling.
Summer is for solitude.
©Alan j Wright
It's Poetry Friday and this week's host is Linda Baie a.k.a Teacher Dance. Pop on over to Linda's page and gain access to a plethora of poetic pearls.
I saw the good news about Victoria, am happy for all of you & wish you well as you venture out, Alan. For me, in the US, i love reading your poem about your coming season as we move into winter "huddling", you now will have your "summery contemplation" in the "shaded corner" of your garden. Ah, sounds good! And I love your photos! Thanks for bringing us to visit!
ReplyDeleteIt was good news Linda. Now we must value the hard fought gains. Please my summer thoughts brought some comfort as you move inextricably towards the cold times.
Delete"Summer is for solitude." YES! "Deep in summery contemplation/and perfect stillness." I see that stillness exemplified in the water scene, Alan. Enjoy your new freedom moments but be cautious. Some people are not being cautious here on Long Island and hence, they have introduce superspreader events. A wedding group and a parent were fined big bucks for allowing such events but others pay the real price of contracting COVID.
ReplyDeleteCaution is the buzzword Carol. In an large population there exists a small percentage of contrarians and outliers who exercise an entitlement that endangers the welfare of themselves and others unfortunately. Glad you enjoyed my little gift of summer solitude. Be well and be safe.
DeleteSo cool that Victoria figured things out - "days of registering zero infections"! Yes! One of my sisters lives in Perth and a nephew lives in Sydney. It's been interesting to hear their experiences of the pandemic in Australia vs mine here in Switzerland vs the rest of our family scattered across the US. Your contrasting seasonal experiences, Covid and otherwise, is a great throughline in your poem, Alan. Enjoy your 'summer solitude'. :)
ReplyDeleteBridget, it was a long road to travel and there were some quite vocal naysayers, but the authorities hung tough and the vast majority of Victorians were incredibly supportive. Each state had a different scenario, but the overall effort has been a health first one all the way. Glad you found something to celebrate in my summery words. Stay safe.
DeleteLovely bittersweet poem!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ruth. Glad you connected to my poem.
DeleteAlan, I envy your your Australian summer. I also wish I could go and have a cup of coffee safely in some "quiet nook" or "shady corner." I used to go to my coffee shop several times a week and miss it. Your verse reminds me of all that.
ReplyDeleteLiving in different hemispheres makes us all envious at times. When I lived in the US, I would return to Australia at the conclusion of the school and plunge back into an Australian winter. That was a challenge. That went on for six years. Your shady nook time will come again Janice and I will be wearing my warm coat and scarf...
DeleteNice to hear about your wary re-emergence. A day with zero infections? Quite an accomplishment. We are SO far away from that. Enjoy your summer, the solitude, the fresh air , and all the goodness the season brings.
ReplyDeleteJama, you are right in describing my re-emergence as wary. I and many of my friends, trust and hope our fellow citizens adopt a similar approach. I have been closely watching the situation in the US -both from a health perspective and a political viewpoint and I am immensely concerned about both. I can only wish you a safe and healthy time in the days that follow. Be well and be safe.
DeleteWhat a wonderful, wonderful poem....that summering solitude. I love the summer just for this reason. The re-charging of my batteries in the warm shadows offered in gardens and the woods. A lovely, lovely trip to Victoria for me. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI also understand nervousness. I was at a winery last weekend...a popular fall activity for us...and it was packed. But, we were all outside in socially distanced groups enjoying the colorful leaves and cool air. We huddled as best we could in our pods. I was very nervous at first seeing so many people. But, we were also masked and safe in our behavior. That makes such a difference!
Thank you for your generous response Linda .Glad you enjoyed your brief visit to my home state, Victoria Summer is open armed. We rush to meet it. This summer will have to be approached somewhat differently. We will have to dance around each other a little I suspect. You're right though, we are more assured when we see our fellow citizens practicing social distancing and wearing masks. These continuing practices are essential to preserve the gains we have worked so hard to achieve.
DeleteAppreciations for taking us on this poetic tour in fotos & words. Home gardens are zen, to us here in Florida.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure Jan. A place to withdraw to is a sanctuary in challenging times. Even for a brief time to gather your thoughts before re-engaging with the world.
DeleteI'm glad you're past the "huddling" and moving into summer solitude!
ReplyDeleteYes Mary Lee, had enough of the huddling for now. We are ready for some cautious venturing and exploring with all the accompanying safety precautions. Great to watch the garden plumping up and inviting us to sit a while.
DeleteI love your "summer solitude." Praying things continue to move in the right direction for your area of the world. Where I'm at in the U.S., the numbers just keep getting worse. We have so many people that deny the virus and/or the severity of it- so many anti-maskers. Though we're not in lockdown, none of the rest of us really feel comfortable or safe doing much of anything away from our homes. Hubby and I have taken up hiking, which has brought us some joy, but I just don't know when or if anything will ever be really normal for us again.
ReplyDeleteYour kind remarks are much appreciated Kimberly. My thoughts are with you and all sane minded citizens who are consistently endeavoring to do the right thing. I like the idea of hiking- it is joyful and delivers a sense of much needed solitude and oneness with nature. The uncertainty of these times both politically and health wise is no doubt unsettling. May better days be on the horizon. Be well and be safe.
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