Payne Thanksgiving 2015

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Late November

Late November the forest is a skeleton

As we climb up the ridge onto the ancient granite

The angular light overlays sharp shadows

Stepping lines across the glowing lichen.

Finding a measure of solace being here

A place apart from the daily horror of current events

Healing the trauma as witnesses we experience

Keeping alive our optimism for humanity.

We are star dust created by a super nova explosion

Gathered together over eons in the immense universe

Now living carbon atoms conscious of this passing moment

Temporary bonds holding potential energy.

Vince explained that the empire must expand or die

When we were youth and the dominoes were falling.

We aligned with the fight against imperialist wars

Against all forms of oppression at home and abroad.

History has moved on into the next act.

Boots on the ground kick in doors at night.

Drones aim remote terror sudden carnage

Answered in kind with improvised atrocities.

No place where there are people is safe.

Racism, reaction and repression feed upon the fear.

In the midst of the agony of the end days

Hoping that a better world’s in birth.

Bearfort Ridge November

google photos album picassa album

Lord Stirling Park November

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Celery Farm redhead duck

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November birding

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the color of rust

The color of rust spreads across the landscape

Signaling the approach of bitter cold days to come.

November’s glow dimming down dying embers of October

Anticipates the ashen bare-branched trees of December.

The so sweet tender song of the white throats returns

Promising musical counterpoint to the cheerful chickadee calls

Moving quickly through the woods in mixed flocks

Joined by juncos and titmice, a nuthatch and a downy.

For me the season brings an undercurrent of melancholy

Especially this year when I learned how to spell metastatic

Contemplating the uncertain finite future for my friend

We make plans for next year with a sense of urgency.

Going on a hike together appreciating the beauty of the world

Talking back and forth listening to his questions and thoughts

Learning how he is always looking for the back story

Trying as best I can for him and for me to stay in the present.

Ramapo Reservation October 29

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Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve November

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