Last week our desert was over 110 degrees each day. That’s more than 15 degrees hotter than the average temperature for July. We have the privilege to be able to get out of the heat, and we did it. We went to the coast, where June gloom continues later into the summer than usual. I am humbly reminded, though, of the people who don’t have the chance to get away from the heat, cold, storms, floods, and additional climate catastrophe around the world. What more can I do about it? I am voting with environmental responsibility and reducing my carbon footprint. I’m trying, but it was a nice relief to get away. More ideas to help the environment from the U.N. here.
I read a poem today by Jonathan Potter, shared recently by Karen Edmiston on her blog. Potter’s “You and I” poem inspired my own “You and I” about my husband, who I am so blessed to live life with.
You and I
After Jonathan Potter
You are a flag of safety,
my languishing laughter
alive again in your insight,
calendar of conscience and truth,
host of joy and gladness,
a latte of love,
sushi in the park,
poetry in action,
a quiet sunset full of hope.
And I am the discoverer of you.
Denise, I read Potter’s poem also and loved it. How wonderful for you to write a poem to your husband again. There are lovely lines, such as a latte of love, poetry in action, and
a quiet sunset full of hope.
It is wonderful that you traveled to the coast and enjoyed cooler weather during the desert heat wave. Your photos are lovely. Keep on smiling and stay cool.
And there is genius in discovery, so you are both the lucky ones! (You know how I feel about the topic in your opening paragraph as I sit, walk, stand in the Oregon Coast fog that just rolled in while the valley sweats.)
Love the last line ” And I am a discoverer of you.’
Your comments about being able to cope with the heat by escaping ring strong tonight in NJ where the temps hit 99 today – much lower than you have experienced but still unusually warm. As I sit with my Mini Split Air Conditioners blowing cold air, I realize I am one of the very lucky ones.I too am trying to reduce my impact on the environment, but there warm temps seem to be a trend of the new age we are in already.
A beautiful ode to your husband. Your figurative language is really appealing. Every line holds so much meaning, “calendar of conscience and truth’. Thanks for sharing. I’m off to read the original poem.
Denise,
WOW! I love the precise images you chose as symbols of your husband – flag , calendar, latte. Plus the alliteration – languishing laughter and latte of love. Thanks also for introducing me to a poet and a form of poetry that I’d like to give a try and even try with students. I’m emailing this to myself to give it a go once school is in session again. Finally – the heat! Thanks for the pause to think about how grateful I am to be sitting in AC right now and the UN link to think about it a little more. SO glad I read your slice. Thank you.
Thanks also for the link to the poet which took me to The Writers Almanac. I have fond memories of listening to it daily on the radio on the way to work. Your slice fed my poetry soul is so many ways today!!
A heartwarming poem to your husband. He must have loved it so. And we are lucky if we are able to take a break and enjoy the change of scene. Swami’s beach sounds Indian đŸ™‚ Thank you for sharing.
Lakshmi, yes, the Self-Realization Fellowship has been here above the beach. The founder Paramahansa Yogananda was originially from India. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-Realization_Fellowship