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Spring Has Arrived!

3/18/2025

34 Comments

 
 Hello blog friends,

It's #TankaTuesday and Selma Martin has a new prompt for us. She invites interested poets to write a Badger's Hexastich, which is a form that requires a syllable structure of 2-4-6-6-4-2. She also asks that we mention what we enjoy doing in Spring.

I've shared this tidbit before, but top on my list of favorite things to do is walking/hiking in nature. I love listening to its special silence -- of birds singing, of leaves rustling, of little creatures scampering. It's a heart conversation for me, and in that setting, I find profound peace. 

My poem attempts to capture the above dynamic. I've coupled it with a photo taken last year when my family gathered in Idaho. Trails stretched across the mountains and through the trees. It was extraordinary. I hope you enjoy both the poem and photo.​

Picture
Photo taken by my son, Brian, at Priest Lake, ID.
In my part of the world, it's beginning to warm. Folks are exchanging coats for windbreakers, and knitted winter hats for baseball caps. I hope the same for you!

​Have a wonderful week, dear friends. 🌞
34 Comments
Selma Martin
3/18/2025 23:07:22

Oh, Gwen. What a delightful poem, narrative and photo to complement. I adore it. Blessing you. Onward to Spring... yay

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
3/19/2025 07:36:03

Thank you so much, Selma. You inspired me to try this poetry form. 😊

Reply
Timothy W. Dittmer link
3/19/2025 06:22:00

Beautiful poem, Gwen, and the image enhances it. Spring is wonderful.

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
3/19/2025 07:37:31

Thank you, Tim. In our area, Spring is unstable but it's gradually warming.

Reply
Pat Garcia link
3/19/2025 06:58:57

Hi,
Walking through nature or sitting on mountain high enough to be able to dream is one of my joys.
I enjoyed your Tanka.
Shalom shalom

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
3/19/2025 07:38:39

Thanks so much, Pat. Finding a special place to dream changes the day, doesn't it. 😊

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Priscilla Bettis link
3/19/2025 07:48:01

Wonderful poem, Gwen. I love the picture, too! Like you, I enjoy the "silence" sounds found in nature. The crickets, the birds, the wind ... all beautiful!

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Gwen M. Plano
3/19/2025 08:57:44

Thank you, Priscilla. Nothing quiets busy minds more than nature--as you know so well. 😊

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Jan Sikes
3/19/2025 08:51:54

Your poetry is so immersive, Gwen. You took me there! Thank you for sharing this beautiful thought and photo!

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
3/19/2025 08:58:18

Thank you so much, Jan. Very kind of you to say. 😊

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Liz Gauffreau link
3/19/2025 09:40:46

I love the poem and the photo in equal measure! Very life-affirming!!

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
3/20/2025 04:00:20

Oh my, I'm so happy you enjoyed both. Thank you, Liz. 😊

Reply
Daniel Antion link
3/19/2025 09:51:49

That's a beautiful poem, Gwen. I'm not quite feeling the warmth yet, at least not on a regular basis, but I look forward to the windbreaker and baseball cap season.

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Gwen M. Plano
3/20/2025 04:08:10

Thank you, Dan. Spring brings a lot of surprises, doesn't it? One day warm, the next day snow. I hope you're wearing that baseball cap soon.😊

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D.L. Finn
3/19/2025 11:59:34

Hiking is my favorite thing to do too, Gwen. Beautiful poem and the photograph is breathtaking! Xo

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Gwen M. Plano
3/20/2025 04:10:04

Thank you, Denise. Your area is especially beautiful. I can only imagine the joy you feel hiking. 😊

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violet link
3/19/2025 14:06:59

This is filled with expressive movement. Love it.

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
3/20/2025 04:10:35

Thank you, Violet, for the kind words. 😊

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Yvette M Calleiro link
3/21/2025 09:02:05

Wonderful poem, Gwen!

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

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
3/22/2025 11:03:40

Thanks so much, Yvette. 😊

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willowdot21 link
3/22/2025 02:26:50

I love the freedom of spirit here in your words and a beautiful photo 💜💜

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
3/22/2025 11:04:26

Thank you, Willow. I son is a marvelous photographer. 😊

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Sgeoil
3/22/2025 08:31:07

Oh yes! The freedom to venture out without all the constraints of winter!

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Gwen M. Plano
3/22/2025 11:05:10

Yes, and it feels so good to closet the jackets. 🌞

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Miriam Hurdle link
3/22/2025 22:54:07

Your poem reflects perfectly the joy of walking and hiking in nature, Gwen! You get double pleasure when doing it with family. Your son Brian must be a professional photographer. His photo of the rainbow and the mirror reflection of it is stunning. Priest Lake must be very clear to have clear reflection of everything above.

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
3/23/2025 13:35:14

Thank you so much, Miriam. ❤️

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Diana Peach link
3/23/2025 18:51:12

Greetings, Gwen. What an amazing photo and beautiful poem. That's where I'd like to be too! I also wanted to thank you for your lovely review of "Weaver." Happy Spring, my friend.

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
3/24/2025 13:08:02

Thank you, Diana, for your kind words. Happy Spring to you too! 🌞

Reply
Robbie Cheadle
3/23/2025 23:06:59

Hi Gwen, an amazing photograph and a beautiful poem to go with it.

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
3/24/2025 13:09:06

Thank you, Robbie. My son can capture scenes that take the breath away. 🌞

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Colleen link
3/24/2025 09:50:02

Gwen, this photo is stunning. I would love to see this framed in your house with your poem next to it! The perfect words to put me in the mood for spring. 🩷

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
3/24/2025 13:10:22

Thank you so much, Colleen. I've recently done just as you suggested - minus the poem. I love the framed photo. 🌞

Reply
Smitha link
3/24/2025 09:50:47

Hi Gwen,

Your words echo my feelings. I love walking in nature and listening to all the sounds and watching all the changes in nature- buds blooming, new buds, new leaves. It's where I find peace. Your poem and photograph are beautiful.

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
3/24/2025 13:11:11

Thank you so much, Smitha. It's a beautiful time of the year, isn't it? 🌞

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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