Renewal

Symbolism isn't always apparent when I take a photo. In this instance, I was prompted by the colors, the reflections, the quiet of this spot in Charleston Falls Park.

Now I see the greening of renewal, the fallen tree both as a symbol of decay which will lead to renewal and as a footbridge, offering a choice at that juncture, of wading through the stream of events, or of taking a dry, if somewhat acrobatic, but safer crossing ... all of these being symbols of passages.

Even though this last month of the year is upon us ... or maybe because it is ... I think it isn't too late ... or too early (those New Year's resolutions are coming up, remember?) to speak of renewal.

Renewal can come at any time of year ... any day ... any moment. End of sermon.

And now the poem:

RENEWAL

How sad sounding

the rains of spring

were, thudding

on the empty drum

of my young life.

Renewal lacked

meaning for me,

but the years

have washed away

that emptiness.

Now the song

of those gentle

drops on my roof

nurtures dreams

of beginnings

and new growth.

© 2002

(originally published in Brave Hearts)

***

Today's word: beginnings

Afterthoughts ... in response to your comments:

Oh, I obviously cling to beginnings, too, Magran ... and I think that attitude comes, not just with age, but increased understanding ... which can come at any point in our lives. I see these beginnings, even though they may not be large ... and may, in fact, be spaced close to together ... as my stepping stones to the future.