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Life's Covenant

11/5/2024

38 Comments

 
Hello, blog friends ~ 

It's Tanka Tuesday, and I've another poem to share. This week writer Lisa Nelson offers the prompt. She invites participants to use synonyms for the words promise and comfort in their poem. 

One of my sons is an outdoorsman. Since he was a little kid, he'd disappear into the woods and make friends with the critters. He's climbed numerous mountains, surfed the oceans, hiked obscure trails, and these last years, he's enjoyed mountain biking.

Brian's photographs of his adventures always elicit wonder. A couple of days ago, he emailed me the photo below - from a fifty mile ride in the Northeast. I've used it as inspiration for my Tanka. 

My synonyms for the two prompt words (promise and comfort) are covenant and peacefulness. I've entitled it Life's Covenant. 
Picture
Copyright: Brian E. Vendley

mountain solitude

elicits peacefulness

above the turmoil

creation breathes through the heart
​
awakens life's covenant

Have a wonderful week, dear friends. Let's explore the wilds . . .
38 Comments
willowdot21 link
11/5/2024 10:26:05

Oh gosh what a wonderful photo and I can truly understand this poem. It really reminds me of our eldest son who like your Brian has amway been a runner, hiker, traveller and mountain biker! We can vicariously grow through them. ...here is a song that puts me in mind of my son it might put you in mind of yours too. 💜💜💜💜

https://youtu.be/0eL-jEV_RKM?si=2V7hzjyIbLrDSy6m

Reply
Gwen
11/5/2024 10:41:23

Oh gosh, Willow, the song brings me to tears. Yes...your son is like my Brian. Thank you for your share. ❤️

Reply
Balroop Singh link
11/5/2024 13:31:33

The image breathes tranquilly, Gwen and your poem complements it SO well! I love both.

Reply
Gwen
11/5/2024 14:36:13

Thanks so much, Balroop. Hugs, my friend. 🤗

Reply
Annette Aben
11/6/2024 03:23:50

soothing and appealing

Reply
Gwen
11/6/2024 05:37:02

So happy you liked it, Annette. 🌞

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Daniel Antion link
11/6/2024 04:28:57

I love this poem, Gwen. Our daughter hikes often, and works with a group to preserve hiking trails in a state park. I'm glad we started her on the path to enjoy and respect nature. It truly brings us above the chaos.

Reply
Gwen
11/6/2024 05:46:29

Wonderful, Dan! Please give her a thank-you hug from me. We'd have a different world if we all took time to escape into the wilds. 🌞

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Priscilla Bettis link
11/6/2024 04:53:35

Oh Gwen, I can so relate to this poem! Solitude in nature helps me breathe easier and recharge. Your son's photograph is beautiful!

Reply
Gwen
11/6/2024 05:47:54

Thank you so much, Priscilla. I'm with you about breathing easier in nature. It's like I dissolve into the peace. 🤗

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Liz Gauffreau
11/6/2024 06:37:29

Stunning photo--and a lovely poem to go with it!

Reply
Gwen
11/6/2024 07:30:27

Thank you, Liz - on both counts. 🌞

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Pete Springer link
11/6/2024 08:36:03

Terrific thoughts, Gwen. We should strive to find that solitude and peacefulness. Your son's photo is remarkable. It sounds like he's lived the most interesting life. Maybe he should write a book. 😊

Reply
Gwen
11/6/2024 12:27:53

I mentioned writing to him once, but he wasn't interested at that point. Maybe I should bring it up again. Thank you, Pete. 🌞

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Jan Sikes
11/6/2024 08:52:16

What a fabulous photo! Kudos to your son for immersing himself in nature. You did a great job with the prompt! Love the poem!

Reply
Gwen
11/6/2024 12:29:18

Thank you on all points, Jan. Very kind of you to say. 🌞

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Timothy W. Dittmer Christine J. Dittmer link
11/6/2024 11:27:52

Beautiful, Gwen, and so truthfully introspective.

Reply
Gwen
11/6/2024 12:30:12

Thank you so much, Tim. Nature is very healing, as you know so well. 🌞

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john howell link
11/6/2024 13:56:38

A beautiful poem and breathtaking photo, Gwen. You son certainly knows adventure.

Reply
Gwen
11/6/2024 14:40:41

Thanks so much, John. Yes...he's a natural in the wilds, and a wonderful photographer. 🌞

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Jacqui Murray link
11/6/2024 15:55:12

There is something about a mountain bike and natural trails that is so appealing. Beautiful.

Reply
Gwen
11/6/2024 18:52:28

I couldn't agree more, Jacqui. Thank you. 🌞

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Thomas Wikman link
11/6/2024 18:41:45

It is a beautiful poem offering peaceful thoughts and I love the photo.

Reply
Gwen
11/6/2024 18:53:14

Thank you so much, Thomas. All the best to you. 🌞

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D.L. Finn
11/6/2024 23:04:40

Love everything about this, Gwen the poem and photo. Nature is so healing. Xo

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Gwen
11/7/2024 04:32:29

Nature is a miracle worker -- as you know so well. Your lovely writing has given life to the wilds of our beautiful planet. 🌞

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Robbie Cheadle
11/7/2024 05:06:58

This is beautiful, Gwen.

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Gwen
11/7/2024 09:26:58

Thank you, Robbie. Brian is a wonderful photographer. 🌞

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D. Wallace Peach link
11/7/2024 09:31:44

A gorgeous photo, Gwen. And what a beautiful poem it elicited. I admire your ability to remain calm in the storm and trust in life. Hugs.

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Gwen
11/7/2024 14:30:22

Thanks so much, Diana. Brian brings the outdoor to many through his beautiful photography. Hugs back to you. 🌞

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Yvette M Calleiro link
11/7/2024 16:43:45

Beautiful picture and refreshing poem, Gwen! I would love to escape there.

Yvette M Calleiro :-)
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com

Reply
Gwen
11/7/2024 17:07:14

I would as well, Yvette. Thank you for stopping by. Hugs...🌞

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Kerfe
11/8/2024 19:32:26

Breathtaking view. It does touch both the heart and soul.

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Gwen
11/10/2024 06:06:42

Thank you, Kerfe. I believe that to be true as well. 🌞

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colleen link
11/10/2024 13:04:01

This is lovely, Gwen. 🧡

Reply
Gwen
11/10/2024 18:20:40

Thank you very much, Colleen. 🌞

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Jules link
11/12/2024 12:12:11

Each day is a present gift, you have given us two; the image and your verse.

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
12/14/2024 07:51:08

Thank you so much, Jules, for your kind words. ❤️

Reply



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Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. ―Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning


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