I have just returned from a week in a remote locality in Eastern Gippsland, in the state of Victoria called, Combienbar (Com-bi-en-bar). It is a place that used to be. The only physical signs of community, apart from a few widely spread dwellings, is a community hall and a phone booth. The school, the post- office andd the logging mill have all faded into history. The locals cling to a fragile sense of community.
No internet, no mobile phone reception, totally off the grid. The outside world ceased to distract us during our stay in this wild, largely untamed setting. Our lives were thrown back to a simpler, less complex existence. It was wonderful to be a guest of the natural world.
We were able to experience stillpoints where we became totally immersed in what we were doing and matters beyond ceased to concern us. We were provided with a slowly growing sense of calm. There was a wonderful sense of appreciation of being in a natural setting. We began to give close attention to all our surroundings. We gave ourselves totally to the 'now.'
The nearby Combienbar River turning and bending, constantly sang its watery chorus as it gently flowed by. It became a go to place each day -serenity central. The tall, majestic Stringy Bark Eucalypts presented as one of nature's phenomenons.
We made time each day to read, write, relax and appreciate this special place. Our senses were recharged. We were privileged to have this opportunity to consciously breathe in the expansive world around us. I now understand why this place is called- the Valley of Contentment.
This stillpoint experience has delivered a real sense of gratitude in the merging of these moments and the words they have sparked.
I hope you can find your own stillpoint experience...
Combienbar Morning
I breathe in this place
The scents, the rot, the blossom
While walking the track.
Morning birdsong swells
Carried on nature's warmth breath
Rising to greet us.
Alan j Wright
Butterfly Ballet
Cluster of small white butterflies
Flitter above the riverbank
Flapping and fluttering constantly
In erratic flight paths
That regularly intersect
Resulting in momentary liaisons.
Are they sharing secrets?
Or merely apologizing for flighty indiscretions
They dip and dive unabashed
White winged blossoms
Engaged in an endless dance
Lacking any sense of formal choreography
Glorious performers on nature’s impressive stage
And all the while
The passing river
Provides a gentle soundtrack
a symphony of trickles and swirls
while passing over rocks, around fallen trees
A song for the muted flight
Of these white winged wonders.
Cluster of small white butterflies
Flitter above the riverbank
Flapping and fluttering constantly
In erratic flight paths
That regularly intersect
Resulting in momentary liaisons.
Are they sharing secrets?
Or merely apologizing for flighty indiscretions
They dip and dive unabashed
White winged blossoms
Engaged in an endless dance
Lacking any sense of formal choreography
Glorious performers on nature’s impressive stage
And all the while
The passing river
Provides a gentle soundtrack
a symphony of trickles and swirls
while passing over rocks, around fallen trees
A song for the muted flight
Of these white winged wonders.
Alan j Wright
It is once more, Poetry Friday and this time our host is Marcie Flinchum Atkins. Marcie's post presents a number of books dealing with dormancy in nature and gifts readers with haiku. Visit Marcie to find out more and discover what a host of other poets are currently working on.
I'm jealous of your experience off the grid in such a place of beauty and peace. I love those white winged blossoms dancing over the river.
ReplyDeleteKay, there was a time, earlier in my life where I regularly experienced this off grid adventure. This time brought it all back. The peace, solitude and the natural beauty of the bushland, made for a special week. The butterflies were quite magical.
DeleteIn the loving way you portrayed this place, Alan, it must have been sad to pull away when you left. I appreciate all that you shared in your intro then the two special poems. I like the idea of the gentle soundtrack for the butterfly flight, especially. This is a new place to me, wonderful sharing!
ReplyDeleteLinda, leaving was something of a wrench. Combienbar was new to me too. I had heard of it and knew the location, but had never been there. Visiting new places offers opportunities to discover new treasures and pleasures.
DeleteI would guess that there are not too many places in the world like this, yet you were lucky enough to be there. And your "song for the muted flight" of butterflies speaks of the miracle of their existing. Thanks for sharing this place.
ReplyDeleteI have been most fortunate to have this special experience and to share it with family has elevated it further. Time spent in untamed places is a privilege.
DeleteThis sounds like a little bit of heaven on earth!
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed that, Mary Lee. It also contrasts quite starkly against our other world. Time out was a reminder to take such opportunities whenever they present.
DeleteOh, how I loved reading about this "Valley of Contentment." Your words created lovely images imbued with such a sense of serenity and the wondrous joy found in nature's gifts. After reading your post, I feel a bit as if I just took a journey myself. Thank you for creating a small bit of contentment in my day.
ReplyDeleteIt's an apt descriptor, Molly. I'm glad you felt a sense of participation flowing from my words and images.
DeleteOh, this sounds amazing. I listened to an audiobook a few years ago about how 3 days in the wilderness can change us--the book itself, the 3-Day Effect, by Florence Williams, was a mixed bag. I expected more science. But the stories of people with PTSD and their wilderness experiences still fascinated me. Thanks for sharing about your retreat...
ReplyDeleteThank you for this comment Laura. I would agree with the premise of change. You get a sense of calm and the slowing of time. The detachment from technology serves to remind one of its tentacles surrounding our regular lives. The longer we were there, the less concerned I was about 'knowing' what was occurring beyond where we were. The conversations changed.
DeleteAlan, your reflection on this "wild place" reminds me of a favorite vacation to an island near Roatan; we had no electricity; food was fresh caught and shared among strangers; and memories imprinted from time spent swinging in a hammock over looking the ocean. My children list it as one of their favorites. Not so incredible that a river provides the song for muted wonders that we notice once we unplug ourselves. Thank you!
ReplyDeletePatricia, I am not familiar with Roatan, so before responding, I felt the need to satisfy my curiosity. Now I can visualize your wonderful wild place experience. It is always gratifying to think our children enjoy such pared back vacations. I hope my grand-daughter remembers this special week we have just shared. I watched as her confidence grew exponentially across the week. She seemed to thrive on the challenge presented by camping out like this. Your Roatan vacation possessed similar privations even though the environments was quite different.
DeleteWhat a lovely " white winged wonder " butterfly and poem Alan, thanks for taking us all there in your poems and images. And I also especially like the image of trees reflected in the river, enchanting!
DeleteThank you for kind remarks Michelle. I'm glad you enjoyed the 'visit.' It was a special experience, no doubt about it. Earlier in my life, I spent a lot of time in such places. These days it is uncommon, so it has been quite special to reconnect in this way. I aim to do more. it's good for the soul, and good for the writing side of my life as well.
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